You’ve probably seen the headlines or maybe a clip of a crying woman in a courtroom. It’s hard to reconcile that image with the one from a few years ago: a polished, smiling mother of six filming her "perfect" life for millions of people on YouTube. But the story of who is Ruby Franke is a lot darker than a failed social media career. It’s a case that has genuinely shaken the internet and redefined how we look at "momfluencers."
Honestly, it’s a lot to process. One minute she’s the face of the massive 8 Passengers channel, and the next, she’s being sentenced to decades in prison for aggravated child abuse.
The Rise and Fall of the 8 Passengers Empire
Back in 2015, Ruby Franke was basically the queen of family vlogging. Along with her husband, Kevin, she documented every mundane and milestone moment of their six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. At its peak, the channel had around 2.5 million subscribers. People tuned in for what looked like a wholesome, disciplined LDS (Latter-day Saint) household in Utah.
But as the years went on, the "discipline" started looking less like parenting and more like something else.
Remember the "bean bag" incident in 2020? That was sort of the first big crack in the facade. Her son Chad mentioned he’d been sleeping on a bean bag chair for seven months because he’d pulled a prank on his brother. Then there was the time Ruby refused to bring a school lunch to her six-year-old daughter, Eve, who had forgotten it. Ruby told her viewers it was a "natural outcome." People were rightfully weirded out. A Change.org petition even started circulating, and Child Protective Services (CPS) showed up at their door. At the time, nothing happened. The case was closed.
By 2022, the 8 Passengers channel was ghost-town quiet. Ruby and Kevin separated, and she pivoted to a new project called ConneXions. This is where things went from "strict parenting" to a full-blown "dark delusion," as Ruby herself later called it.
The Jodi Hildebrandt Connection
You can’t talk about Ruby Franke without talking about Jodi Hildebrandt. Jodi was a licensed therapist (her license has since been revoked) who ran a self-improvement program. Ruby went from being a client to a business partner and, eventually, a roommate.
They started a new platform called Moms of Truth. The content was intense. They talked about "Truth" with a capital T and labeled anything they didn't like as "distortion." They told parents that if their children didn't follow their rules, the children were "possessed" or "evil." It wasn't just advice anymore; it was a radicalized, extremist ideology.
The Escape That Changed Everything
The world finally learned the truth on August 30, 2023. Ruby’s 12-year-old son, Russell, managed to climb out of a window at Jodi Hildebrandt’s house in Ivins, Utah. He ran to a neighbor’s house and asked for food and water.
The neighbor's 911 call is haunting. He described a boy who was emaciated, with open wounds and duct tape wrapped around his wrists and ankles. When the police arrived, they found Ruby’s 10-year-old daughter, Eve, in a similar state, hiding in a closet. Both children were hospitalized for severe malnourishment and injuries.
What the Journal Entries Revealed
In March 2024, prosecutors released some of the most disturbing evidence in the case: Ruby’s own handwritten journals.
These weren't just diaries; they were a play-by-play of torture. Ruby wrote about "stripping down a child's world to the basics of beans and rice." She described forcing her son to work outside in the Utah summer heat for days without shoes, resulting in blistered, sloughing skin. When he tried to drink water without permission, she punished him.
Perhaps most chilling was her justification. She genuinely seemed to believe she was "saving" her children from "evil spirits." She wrote about holding her son's head underwater and cutting off his oxygen by covering his mouth and nose. She called her own children "gremlins" and "manipulative." It’s a stark reminder of how quickly a person can spiral when they fall under the influence of extremist ideas.
Where is Ruby Franke Now?
As of early 2026, Ruby Franke is incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City.
In February 2024, she was sentenced to four consecutive terms of 1 to 15 years. Because of Utah law, the maximum time she can actually serve is 30 years. Her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, received the same sentence.
During her sentencing, Ruby was tearful. She apologized to her children and thanked the police, calling them "angels" for saving her kids from her. She claimed she had been "brainwashed" by Hildebrandt. Whether you believe that or see it as a legal strategy is up for debate, but her eldest daughter, Shari, has been vocal about the fact that the family is finally safe. Shari even published a memoir in January 2025 titled The House of My Mother, which details the years of physical and emotional abuse that happened long before the cameras stopped rolling.
What Happens Next?
Ruby’s first parole hearing is currently scheduled for December 2026. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will decide how much of that 30-year maximum she actually serves. They’ve already mandated that she undergo cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health evaluations before that date.
Meanwhile, the fallout continues. Kevin Franke finalized his divorce from Ruby in March 2025. He’s also filed several lawsuits against Jodi Hildebrandt for negligence and intentional emotional harm.
The case has even prompted legal changes. In 2025, the Utah legislature passed "SB24," which toughened sentences for child torture. It’s a grim legacy, but one that might protect other children in the future.
Next Steps for You
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If you are following this case or are interested in the broader issues of social media ethics and child safety, here is what you should keep an eye on:
- Monitor the Parole Board: Look for updates in late 2026 regarding Ruby Franke’s initial hearing results.
- Audit Family Vlogging: This case has sparked a massive conversation about the "sharenting" industry. You can look into new "Coordinated Parenting" laws being proposed in various states that aim to protect the earnings and privacy of children featured on social media.
- Recognize the Signs: The National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) is a vital resource. One of the biggest takeaways from the Franke case is that "blind obedience" is often a red flag for deeper issues in a household.