Ruby Franke, formerly one-half of the popular conservative Christian “8 Passengers” YouTube family vlogging channel, pleaded guilty on Monday to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse targeting her two youngest children over summer 2022. Franke is a mother of 6 children.
Vlogger Became Convinced Children Were Possessed, Requiring Violent Repentance Rituals
As part of a plea deal, Franke admitted to cruel disciplining of her son, 9 and daughter, 7, while influenced by a relationship counselor named Jodi Hildebrandt. Believing the youth were possessed by evil spirits after sessions with Hildebrandt, Franke starved, physically restrained, and forced them to endure outdoor summer torment for months as supposed repentance.
Disturbing Abuse Tactics Included Food Deprivation, Drowning Attempts
Both juveniles repeatedly heard declarations from their mother that they were evil, requiring suffering to become obedient. Franke confessed to handcuffing her son, kicking him with boots on, holding his head underwater in the bathtub, and covering his airways with her hands to supposedly “help” him. The daughter faced similar starvation tactics and spiritual abuse.
Escape Attempt By Son Led To Police Discovery of Abuse
The cruelty lasted from May through August 2022 until Franke’s son escaped from her associate Hildebrandt’s house begging a neighbor to call 911. Police discovered him emaciated with duct tape around his wrists and ankles alongside his sister. All four children were promptly removed from Franke’s custody by child services.
Franke will serve consecutive prison sentences based on plea-bargained charges carrying up to 15 years each. Her husband filed for divorce amidst the case’s publicity. While incarcerated, Franke continued soul-searching, enabling her to “reset her moral compass” ahead of a February sentencing.
The case closes a saga of controversial discipline documented on the family’s now dormant YouTube channel “8 Passengers” which once attracted millions of viewers over 7 years. Hildebrandt also faces 6 abuse charges tied to counseling Franke.
Channel is gone!
As of December 2023, their “8 Passengers” YouTube channel can no longer be found, indicating it has likely been deleted.
