Utah Mother Behind "8 Passengers" YouTube Channel Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse Charges
11m
·
Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt
·
Ruby Franke, a Utah mother of six who gained fame through her YouTube channel "8 Passengers," pleaded guilty on Monday to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse, admitting to the abuse and starvation of two of her children. The plea was entered in a courtroom where Franke appeared wearing gray and white jail clothing, expressing her deepest regret for her actions.
The charges stemmed from a disturbing incident that unfolded earlier this year when Franke's 12-year-old son escaped from a residence in the southern Utah city of Ivins, where he had been held captive. Covered in wounds and with duct tape on his wrists and ankles, the boy approached a neighbor and asked for help, prompting a 911 call.
The caller stated, "I think he's been ... he's been detained," while describing the emaciated and wounded state of the child. Authorities swiftly responded to the call and discovered Franke's 10-year-old daughter at the same location. Both children were rushed to the hospital, with the younger ones eventually taken into state custody.
Franke's husband, Kevin Franke, has filed for divorce following the incident. The family's YouTube channel, "8 Passengers," was known for its parenting advice but came under scrutiny for controversial decisions, including a video showing the couple banning their oldest son from his bedroom for seven months and refusing to provide lunch for a kindergartener who forgot it at home.
Franke also faced criticism for threatening to cut the head off a young girl's stuffed toy as a punishment. In one video, she revealed that her two youngest children wouldn't receive gifts from Santa Claus one year due to their behavior.
The shocking case revealed that Franke had been influenced by a relationship counselor, Jodi Hildebrandt, who manipulated her sense of morality, leading to the abuse. Franke's attorney, LaMar Winward, explained, "Ruby Franke is a devoted mother and is also a woman committed to constant improvement." He added, "Hildebrandt systematically isolated Ruby Franke from her extended family, older children, and her husband, Kevin Franke."
Hildebrandt, who is facing allegations in connection with the case, has agreed not to see patients until her situation is addressed by state licensing officials. Her next court hearing is scheduled for December 27. Douglas Terry, her attorney, has not commented on the allegations made by Franke's attorney.
Judge John J. Walton accepted Ruby Franke's plea agreement, leaving her sentencing up to his discretion, which may include prison time. The sentencing is set for February 20. Both Franke and Hildebrandt remain in jail since their arrests.
While incarcerated, Ruby Franke has engaged in introspection, intending to take responsibility for her actions, as stated in a statement by her attorney. The disturbing incident has raised questions about the responsibility of online influencers and the impact their content may have on their personal lives and the lives of their followers.
The "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, which had been active since 2015, came to an abrupt end after seven years, marking a tragic turn in the life of a family once known for sharing their parenting journey online.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The episode Utah Mother Behind "8 Passengers" YouTube Channel Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse Charges from the podcast Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt has a duration of
11:30. It was first published
More episodes from Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt
Between a Rock and a Hildebrandt: Kevin Franke's Cluelessness Unveiled-WEEK IN REVIEW
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.
Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Family, Fictions, and Flying Plates: The Frankie Household-Unhinged-WEEK IN REVIEW
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.
Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Sadistic Suburbia: Unraveling the Frankie Family Nightmare-WEEK IN REVIEW
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.
Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Demonic Dishes The Frankie Family's Paranormal Pantry-WEEK IN REVIEW
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.
Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Between a Rock and a Hildebrandt: Kevin Franke's Cluelessness Unveiled
In an episode that reads more like a thriller novel than a family court case, "Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski" delves into the twisted tale of Ruby Franke and Kevin Franke, with Robin Dreeke lending his expertise on the bewildering dynamics at play. Here's a snapshot of the conversation, distilled into its most eyebrow-raising essence:
- Kevin Franke's Cluelessness: A bewildering state of apparent ignorance concerning the depth of dysfunction and alleged abuse happening under Jody Hildebrandt's roof. The question hangs: Is ignorance bliss or just plain ignorance?
- The Formation of an Anti-Male Cult: Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt, described as creating a vortex of unhealthy behavior, seemingly manifested an anti-male agenda, with Kevin as a bystander—or perhaps, a casualty.
- Legal Lapses and Parental Passivity: Kevin Franke's baffling lack of legal action to reclaim his children from what many would consider a volatile situation raises more than a few eyebrows and questions about parental responsibility—or the lack thereof.
- Paranormal Deflections: When faced with serious allegations of child abuse, Kevin's recourse to paranormal activities as a distraction—or explanation—adds an eerie layer to an already complex case.
- The Cult-like Dynamics: Echoing notorious cult activities, the Franke case seems to check all the boxes: charismatic leadership, isolation, exploitation, and a hint of sexual undertones, painting a grim picture of manipulation and control.
- A Failure to Act: Kevin's inaction, potentially driven by fear or manipulation, stands as a stark reminder of how powerful groupthink and cult-like influence can be, especially when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable.
#KevinFrankeCluelessness
#HildebrandtCult
#ParanormalParenting
#CultLikeDynamics
#ChildSafetyConcerns
#FrankeFamilyDrama
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com