Ruby Franke once portrayed the image of a picture-perfect, disciplined mom, capturing everyday moments with her six children on the YouTube channel 8 Passengers. Her wholesome, family-centered content drew over 2.3 million subscribers, eager to watch zoo trips, doctor visits, and “life lessons” from a devoted mother.
But beneath the surface of this curated life lay a disturbing truth—one that would ultimately lead to her conviction for aggravated child abuse.
Red Flags That Went Ignored for Years
As 8 Passengers rose in popularity, some viewers grew concerned. They noticed questionable parenting methods hidden in plain sight. Ruby often boasted about harsh punishments. In some videos, she described:
- Denying meals as discipline
- Forcing her children to do labor-intensive tasks, like repeatedly hauling heavy boxes
- Isolating children for long periods
What some labeled “strict parenting,” others saw as emotional cruelty. Critics warned that Ruby was crossing serious lines—but few imagined how dark things would become.
The Escape That Shattered the Illusion
On August 30, 2023, the truth exploded into public view.
Franke’s 12-year-old son made a desperate escape from the home of Jodi Hildebrandt, a therapist-turned-life coach and Franke’s business partner. His wrists and ankles were wrapped in duct tape. He climbed through a window and ran to a neighbor, begging for food, water, and rescue.
The neighbor, shaken by the child’s emaciated body and visible wounds, quickly called 911.
When police arrived, they discovered Franke’s 10-year-old daughter in similar condition—malnourished and injured. Inside the home, officers found a detailed diary chronicling horrifying punishments inflicted on the children during that summer.
The Horrors Inside Hildebrandt’s Home
The diary, written by Franke herself, included shocking details:
- Children forced to stand for hours in the blistering Utah heat
- Food and water withheld as a form of punishment
- Use of cayenne pepper and honey, wrapped in plastic and duct tape, to “treat” open wounds
This wasn’t misguided parenting—it was systematic abuse. And Franke, alongside Hildebrandt, had orchestrated it all.
The Manipulative Influence of Jodi Hildebrandt
So how did Ruby Franke go from strict mom to convicted abuser?
The answer may lie in her relationship with Jodi Hildebrandt. Originally hired to help with Franke’s marriage, Hildebrandt soon gained enormous influence over the entire family. Together, they co-founded ConneXions, a controversial coaching business that pushed extreme parenting strategies disguised as discipline.
By May 2023, Franke had moved into Hildebrandt’s home. That’s when the abuse escalated—out of view, and seemingly beyond accountability.
Convictions, Sentencing, and Public Outrage
Following the investigation, Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. Both she and Hildebrandt now face up to 30 years in prison, with their earliest parole hearings set for December 2026.
The case sparked intense public anger, not only at Franke—but at the system that failed to stop her sooner.
How Did No One Stop This Sooner?
In 2020, thousands of viewers signed an online petition urging Utah’s Child Protective Services to investigate Franke. Yet nothing happened.
Why? Experts say fame and status may have shielded her. According to Takkeem Morgan of Prevent Child Abuse America, “Public perception masked severe abuse. Wealth and influence can delay intervention.”
Ruby wasn’t just a mom—she was a brand. And that brand helped her hide abuse in plain sight.
The Dark Side of Family Vlogging
Prosecutor Eric Clarke emphasized the broader lesson: turning family life into content has consequences.
“There’s a difference between sharing memories and showcasing punishments for clicks,” he said. “If you’re afraid to let others see your parenting, that’s a huge red flag.”
What began as inspirational content ended in horror. The curated world of 8 Passengers masked a nightmare—until one brave 12-year-old risked everything to tell the truth.
Now, Ruby Franke is no longer a vlogger or influencer. She’s a convicted abuser facing decades behind bars.