Ruby Franke, the disgraced mommy vlogger known for her YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for brutally abusing her two youngest children. The sentencing took place in Washington County, Utah, where Franke and her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, had gained millions of followers by documenting their strict parenting style.
The shocking case came to light last August when Ruby Franke’s youngest son, aged 12, managed to escape from the house of family therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, who was Ruby’s business partner. The boy, emaciated and malnourished, sought help from a neighbor, leading to the discovery of his 9-year-old sister, also malnourished, at Hildebrandt’s residence. Both children were found with open wounds and duct tape around their extremities.
During the court hearing, Ruby Franke tearfully apologized to her children, including Chad Franke, her 18-year-old son, for subjecting them to a “dark place.” She admitted to physically abusing her son, including kicking him while wearing boots and suffocating him by covering his nose and mouth. Prosecutors described the abuse as some of the worst they had seen in their careers.
Chad Franke, who is the second oldest of Ruby Franke’s six children, appeared delighted after witnessing his mother’s emotional breakdown in court. Reports indicate that he left the hearing with a large smile on his face. Just three days prior, Chad and his girlfriend had posted a TikTok video where he expressed joy over his mother’s imprisonment.
The “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, which showcased an idealized image of a large, attractive, and loving family, had faced criticism from viewers concerned about the children’s welfare. In one controversial moment, Chad revealed that he had his bedroom taken away for seven months as punishment for pranks on his younger brother. Ruby Franke also admitted to refusing to provide lunch for her 6-year-old daughter, stating that hunger would be the natural consequence of forgetting her lunch.
Following Ruby Franke’s arrest, her husband Kevin filed for divorce and distanced himself from the family. Jodi Hildebrandt, who produced a parenting advice podcast, was also sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The sentencing of Ruby Franke marks the end of a years-long ordeal for Chad and his siblings, who endured mental and physical abuse while their mother gained online fame. The case has sparked outrage and raised questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in monitoring content related to child abuse.
