Who is Ruby Franke and how long was the 8 Passengers YouTuber jailed for child abuse crimes? C5 doc explained
RUBY Franke first found fame as a popular YouTuber but her life has changed considerably since.
She is now serving a prison sentence after being found guilty of child abuse.
Who is Ruby Franke?
Ruby Franke made a name for herself as a family YouTuber.
She would upload videos of her family and managed to build up quite the fan base.
The mother-of-six would give parenting advice to 2.3 million followers on her now-deleted 8 Passengers video channel.
What is the 8 passenger story?
Franke is now serving a jail sentence after being found guilty of child abuse.
She was arrested in the Utah city of Ivins in August 2023 after her malnourished 12-year-old son climbed out of a window at the home of Jodi Hildebrandt to ask for food and water from a neighbour.
He was found with open wounds and bound with duct tape.
Another of Franke’s daughters was later found in a similar condition in Hildebrandt’s home.
What happened to Ruby Franke’s son, Chad?
Back in 2020 Franke’s son Chad, who was 15 at the time, said that his parents had made him sleep on a beanbag for seven months.
This was reportedly as punishment for pranking his younger brother.
His parents went on to say that they offered him a guest bed or an inflatable bed to sleep on instead.
What happened to Ruby Franke’s daughter, Shari Franke?
Franke’s eldest daughter Shari broke her silence in October 2023 as she addressed the fact that her mother had been arrested.
She posted to Instagram about what she had been going through.
She wrote: “There’s literally not even words to describe how upside down my life has become.
“I’ve cried, had an infinite number of panic attacks, had way too much ice-cream, and yet life goes on.
“Therapy has literally saved me, but God has too. My life is somehow becoming more beautiful and fulfilling, despite all the terrible things going on.”
Shari added: “I’d appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my family and myself. Words can’t express the gratitude I feel for you all, and I feel your love.”
Shari also shared a photo of police officers outside the family home with the caption: “Finally.”
It was revealed last week that Kevin called the police on their estranged eldest daughter two days after his wife was arrested.
Kevin Franke, who is Ruby Franke’s estranged husband, told police on September 1 that Shari had broken into their home and stolen hard drives.
He told officers he wanted her arrested for burglary according to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital.
How long was Ruby Franke jailed for?
Franke pleaded guilty to starving and abusing her children.
She appeared in court along with her former business partner Jodi Hildebrandt who received the same sentence.
For the past four years, I’ve chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me into a dark delusion.
Ruby Franke
The judge sentenced them both to serve four terms of one to 15 years each.
The sentences will run consecutively and are the maximum for each count under Utah law.
The amount time they will ultimately serve will be determined by the state’s parole board.
At her sentencing Franke apologised to her children, saying she had “believed dark was light and right was wrong. I would do anything in this world for you. I took from you all that was soft, and safe and good.”
She then told the court: “For the past four years, I’ve chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me into a dark delusion.”
Who is Kevin Franke?
Kevin Franke is the husband of Ruby Franke.
The pair share six children – Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.
The whole family would feature on the YouTube channel.
Is Kevin Franke still married to Ruby?
Kevin filed for divorce from his wife in November 2023.
This came months after she was charged with child abuse.
It was reported that the couple separated before her arrest over a difference of opinions on parenting styles.
How to watch Abused by Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal
Abused by Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal is available to watch on My5.
The documentary tells the story of Ruby Franke’s arrest.
The synopsis reads: “The rise and fall of popular ‘momfluencer’ Ruby Franke: behind the facade was a nightmare.”