Ruby Franke, known for her YouTube family channel ‘8 Passengers,’ has been sentenced up to 30 years in prison for aggravated child abuse after two of her children were found “malnourished” with “open wounds.”
Franke wasarrested on suspicion of these chargesin August of that same year after her 12-year-old son escaped from a home belonging to one Jodi Hildebrandt, who ran a family counseling service named ‘ConneXions’ alongside Franke.
Franke’s son was found in a shocking state,with reports statingthe child was “malnourished” with “open wounds” and duct tape covering his extremities. Her 10-year-old daughter was discovered in a similar condition in Hildebrandt’s home.
8 Passengers’ Ruby Franke sentenced up to 30 years for child abuse
Fifth District Judge John Waltonsentenced both womento four terms of one to 15 years in jail — meaning each woman would spend up to 60 years in prison. However, neither will serve longer than 30 years due to a Utah law that prevents consecutive sentences above that amount.
Franke apologized during her sentencing in a tearful message to the court.
“I am humbled and willing to serve a prison sentence for as long as I need,”Franke said.“I am committed to unlearning my toxic behavior.”
That’s not all; Frankewent on to claimthat her “charges are just” and expressed remorse for “twisting God’s words and distorting His doctrine.”
Franke was best known for her family YouTube channel titled ‘8 Passengers,’ which followed the lives of her six children and her husband, Kevin Franke.
Virginia Glaze is Dexerto’s Entertainment Editor in the US. She expertly covers trending stories across Twitch, Kick, YouTube, and TikTok – as well as fighting games and influencer boxing. Virginia also has bylines at Red Bull, GINX, and Bandai Namco. Contact her here: virginia.glaze@dexerto.com
