What Happened to Ruby Franke? Where is Ruby Franke Now?
by Ayisha
Updated Sep 05, 2023
What Happened to Ruby Franke?
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on August 30, as reported in a press release from the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department. The arrests followed a distressing incident where a juvenile, who was severely emaciated, malnourished, and had open wounds with limbs restrained using duct tape, was found and needed immediate medical attention.
This child was pleading for food and water. Law enforcement subsequently received information that suggested other juveniles in similar conditions might be present in a nearby residence. Upon investigating that residence, they found another young person in a similarly dire state of malnutrition, who was also hospitalized.
A search warrant was obtained for the residence, and evidence was discovered that aligned with the injuries observed on the initial juvenile. Four minor children were placed in the care of The Department of Child and Family Services, and Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested in connection with the incident.
Both women were later charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse, with each count carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000, according to Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke's office. The charges included allegations of causing serious physical harm through a combination of physical injuries or torture, starvation or malnutrition endangering life, and causing severe emotional harm to the juvenile victims.
The case surrounding Ruby Franke is highly sensitive, and further details have not been disclosed due to its nature. However, Ruby's sister, Bonnie Hoellein, expressed her surprise and stated that they had been working behind the scenes to ensure the safety of the children involved.
She confirmed Ruby and Jodi's arrests and emphasized the children's safety as the primary concern. There were no listed attorneys for Ruby Franke or Jodi Hildebrandt in their public records, and attempts to contact them through various channels yielded no response. This situation underscores the importance of protecting and advocating for the welfare of children in vulnerable situations and the legal consequences for those found responsible for child abuse.
Who is Ruby Franke?
Ruby Franke is a well-known figure in the world of YouTube parenting, primarily recognized for her family's YouTube channel, "8 Passengers." She gained significant popularity for documenting her life as a mother of six children: Chad Franke, Julie, Shari, Russell, Abby, and Eve.
Ruby's channel featured various aspects of her family's daily life, including parenting, family adventures, and challenges. However, her fame took a dramatic turn when her son, Chad Franke, posted a video in 2020 that raised concerns about his living conditions and the family's disciplinary practices.
Chad's video from 2020, which has since been removed, revealed that he had been subjected to what he described as punishment, including being forced to sleep on a bean bag for an extended period due to a prank he played on his younger sibling. This revelation led to significant controversy and the involvement of child protective services.
Subsequently, Ruby Franke and her husband, Kevin, faced intense scrutiny from their followers and the public. Ruby Franke's life and her family's experiences became the center of attention due to the unfolding events and the legal charges brought against her and her business partner related to child abuse allegations in August 2023.
Specifications
Details
Name
Ruby Franke
Date of Birth
January 18, 1982
Birth Place
Utah, United States
Age (as of 2023)
41 years
Gender
Female
Profession
YouTube personality
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$5 Million
Franke's YouTube Channel '8 Passengers'
Ruby Franke's YouTube channel, "8 Passengers," played a central role in the family's journey to fame and, subsequently, controversy. Launched in January 2015, the channel offered an intimate and candid look into the Franke family's life as a Mormon family of eight living in Springville, Utah.
Ruby, alongside her husband Kevin and their six children, documented their daily activities, family dynamics, and parenting experiences. At its peak, the channel accumulated more than two million subscribers, making it a notable presence in the world of family vlogging on YouTube.
However, "8 Passengers" also became a platform for intense scrutiny and criticism, primarily focused on the family's parenting practices. The channel's content included controversial parenting decisions, such as one instance where their son, Chad, claimed to have slept on a beanbag for seven months as a form of punishment.
This revelation triggered rumors of child abuse and prompted viewers, as well as investigative YouTube channels, to scrutinize the family's content further. The controversy surrounding "8 Passengers" highlighted the complex interplay between sharing one's family life on a public platform and the ethical considerations of parenting choices in the digital age.
Where is Ruby Franke Now?
Ruby Franke is currently in custody at the Washington County Sheriff's Department. She was arrested on two counts of aggravated child abuse following a distressing incident involving a malnourished child with open wounds and duct tape on their extremities who sought assistance from a neighbor.
The severity of the child's condition led to Ruby Franke's arrest, and she has remained in custody since her detention. Alongside her, her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, was also arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse. It's essential to note that legal proceedings are ongoing, and the individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
As the case progresses, more information may emerge about Ruby Franke's current legal status and whereabouts. However, at this point, her location remains within the legal confines of the Washington County Sheriff's Department, pending further developments in the case.
How Many Children Does Ruby Franke Have?
Ruby Franke is the mother of six children, which is a central aspect of her identity as a parent and a content creator. Her family became widely known through their YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, where they documented their daily life and adventures, providing viewers with an inside look into their experiences as a family.
The channel's content often revolved around parenting, family dynamics, and various challenges and joys of raising a large family. Ruby and her husband, Kevin Franke, shared their journey of nurturing and caring for their six children: Chad, Julie, Shari, Russell, Abby, and Eve. This family dynamic was a key element of their content, and their viewership grew significantly over the years, with the channel amassing millions of subscribers.
Ruby Franke Family
Ruby Franke is the matriarch of a family that gained fame through their YouTube channel, "8 Passengers." Her family includes her husband, Kevin Franke, and their six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. Their journey to notoriety began in 2015 when they launched their YouTube channel, offering viewers an intimate look into their life as a Mormon family residing in Springville, Utah.
Ruby's motivation for starting the channel was to provide a glimpse into the challenges and joys of raising a family, especially as her children were growing older. Over the years, their channel attracted more than two million subscribers, showcasing their family dynamics, parenting experiences, and daily activities. However, the channel faced scrutiny and controversy, particularly related to their parenting choices, which led to concerns and speculations among viewers.
The Franke family's fame was marked by a blend of admiration and criticism, particularly regarding their parenting style and the treatment of their children. Their channel provided a platform for discussions about parenting, relationships, and family life. In addition to their YouTube endeavors, Ruby Franke and her husband, Kevin, later joined the YouTube channel "ConneXions," where they continued to offer advice and perspectives on parenting and love.
However, the family's reputation was further marred by controversies, including incidents where their parenting choices were questioned, leading to interactions with child protective services and public backlash. The recent arrest of Ruby Franke on child abuse charges has added a new dimension to the Franke family's story, prompting public concern and discussions about the well-being of their children.
What Happened to Ruby Franke? - FAQs
Ruby Franke is a former family vlogger known for her YouTube channel "8 Passengers," where she shared her life as a mother of six children.
Ruby Franke was arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse following an incident involving a severely malnourished and injured juvenile.
Law enforcement was alerted when a distressed juvenile with open wounds, duct tape on their limbs, and signs of malnutrition sought help from a neighbor. Subsequent investigations revealed more children in distress.
Both women face six counts of aggravated child abuse, each carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Ruby Franke has six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.