From YouTube Stardom to Prison: The Downfall of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt

From YouTube Stardom to Prison: The Downfall of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt

Ruby Franke, a former YouTube star, is now facing serious allegations of child abuse, as detailed in Hulu’s Devil in the Family. In a memoir and documentary, her daughter, Shari Franke, opens up about the years of trauma she and her siblings suffered.

In the upcoming docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, premiering on February 27, Shari recounts a horrifying memory involving her younger brother, Chad. She recalls helping him clean blood from the walls after he was brutally beaten. “I always felt bad when he got in trouble,” Shari says in the series. “He’d get a bloody nose, and I’d bring him toilet paper, not knowing what else to do.”

Rise to Fame and the Family’s Decline

Ruby Franke and her husband, Kevin, gained widespread attention for their YouTube channel 8 Passengers, where they showcased their life as a family of eight in Utah. At its peak, the channel had 2.5 million subscribers. However, as early as 2020, viewers began to voice concerns about the strict and seemingly abusive parenting techniques employed by Ruby. Chad, now an adult, reveals in the documentary that Ruby’s abusive behavior was hidden from the audience. He recalls being physically punished off-camera, saying, "She would spank, whip, and take the belt out. She’d pull down my pants and whip me."

Jodi Hildebrandt’s Influence and Escalating Abuse

Ruby’s parenting methods became even more severe after she began collaborating with Jodi Hildebrandt, a former therapist and founder of the religious group ConneXions. The two even co-hosted a podcast, where they promoted harsh parenting strategies.

As Ruby’s behavior grew more extreme, she severed ties with Shari and forced both Kevin and Chad to leave their home. Concerned for her younger siblings, Shari contacted child services, but no immediate action was taken.

Arrest and Sentencing

The situation took a drastic turn in August 2023 when Ruby and Jodi were arrested after Shari’s 12-year-old brother, severely malnourished, managed to escape from Jodi’s home and seek help from a neighbor. The ensuing police investigation revealed multiple instances of severe child abuse.

Although Kevin had already separated from Ruby, he was not charged. Later in 2023, both Ruby and Jodi pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. In February 2024, they were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 30 years, with the Utah Board of Pardons still determining the exact duration.

Shari Franke’s Memoir Reveals the Truth

Shari Franke has also shared her personal experiences in her memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, which sheds light on the years of abuse and deprivation she and her siblings endured.

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