In a distressing turn of events, Ruby Franke, the creator of a renowned parenting advice YouTube channel, '8 Passengers,' has been arrested on child abuse charges alongside her business partner, Jodi Nan Hildebrandt. This grim incident unfolded in Ivins, Utah, leaving the online parenting community stunned and alarmed. Here, we delve into the details surrounding this shocking case.
The unraveling of this disturbing case began when Ms. Franke's 12-year-old son made a daring escape from his home. Desperate for sustenance, he sought refuge at a neighbor's house, setting off a chain of events that would expose the horrifying conditions he endured. The neighbor, upon seeing the emaciated and malnourished state of the child, immediately alerted law enforcement.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities were confronted with a scene of unimaginable cruelty. The boy displayed signs of severe malnourishment, bearing both open wounds and restraints in the form of duct tape around his extremities. His condition was so dire that he had to be rushed to the hospital, where the extent of his injuries, including deep lacerations from being tied up with rope, became painfully apparent.
Tragically, Ms. Franke's 10-year-old daughter was also discovered in a malnourished state at the residence of her partner, Ms. Hildebrandt. This shocking revelation added another layer of complexity to an already devastating case.
On a grim Friday, Washington County officials officially charged both Ms. Franke and Ms. Hildebrandt with six counts of child abuse. These charges encompass various forms of abuse, including physical abuse, severe malnutrition, and profound emotional harm. Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Ruby Franke, aged 41, rose to prominence in 2015 through her YouTube channel, '8 Passengers,' which provided parenting advice and insights based on her experience raising six children. The channel amassed over 2 million subscribers before being deactivated earlier this year. However, Ms. Franke had faced criticism in the past for her strict parenting methods, which included her son's claim of being punished by sleeping on a bean bag for months and the controversial practice of withholding meals as a disciplinary measure.
Ms. Franke's partnership with Jodi Nan Hildebrandt, a counselor and life coach, also drew attention. In one video posted in May 2022, Ms. Franke expressed concern about the rising rates of childhood depression, while in another, Ms. Hildebrandt advocated for the importance of principles in children's lives to ensure a 'calm and peaceful' existence. Ms. Hildebrandt herself had faced professional repercussions previously, nearly losing her license as a pornography addiction therapist for publicly discussing a patient without consent.
The arrest of Ruby Franke has brought some relief to her family, particularly her eldest daughter, Shari Franke. Shari expressed her satisfaction with justice being served and revealed that they had been trying to alert the authorities about the abuse for years.
Ms. Franke, for her part, has requested legal representation and has not provided any statements to law enforcement as of now. The identity of her attorney remains undisclosed at this time.
This heart-wrenching case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility and accountability that public figures, particularly those in the parenting sphere, hold in society. The consequences of alleged child abuse are grave, and the pursuit of justice is paramount to ensure the safety and well-being of children.