Ruby Franke was one of the most recognizable faces in family vlogging, running the popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers alongside her husband Kevin Franke. For years, millions watched as she documented the lives of her six children, from homeschooling routines to family vacations. But behind the camera, a far darker story was unfolding.
In August 2023, Franke was arrested alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt after one of her children escaped from a home in Ivins, Utah, showing severe signs of starvation and physical abuse. Within months, the former internet personality had pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse and was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. The case sent shockwaves through the online creator community and sparked widespread debate about the ethics of monetizing children’s lives on social media.
Who Is Ruby Franke? The Rise and Fall of the 8 Passengers Vlogger
Ruby Franke, former family vlogger
4 counts of aggravated child abuse
August 30, 2023
4 concurrent prison terms (0–30 years); serving at Utah State Correctional Facility
8 Passengers (now defunct)
‘Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’ (Disney+, 2024/2025)
Key Takeaways
- Ruby Franke’s case represents one of the most dramatic falls from grace in family vlogging history, transitioning from internet fame to a convicted child abuser in less than a decade.
- The involvement of Jodi Hildebrandt and ConneXions counseling highlights the dangerous intersection of unregulated therapeutic practices and online influencer culture.
- The case has sparked broader societal debate about the ethics of family vlogging and the lack of legal protections for child influencers.
- Documentary coverage (Disney+ and Netflix) approaches the story from different angles, with Disney+ focusing on Ruby’s family perspective and Netflix centering on Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence.
- As of early 2025, Ruby Franke remains incarcerated; the custody status of her children has been legally protected from public disclosure.
Key Facts About the Ruby Franke Case
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ruby Franke (born Ruby Nell Bridges) |
| Known For | YouTube channel 8 Passengers (2015–2023) |
| Arrest Date | August 30, 2023 |
| Charges | 6 counts of aggravated child abuse; pleaded guilty to 4 counts |
| Sentencing Date | February 20, 2024 |
| Sentence | 4 concurrent terms of 1–15 years (up to 30 years total) |
| Co-defendant | Jodi Hildebrandt, ConneXions counselor |
| Documentaries | ‘Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’ (Disney+); ‘Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story’ (Netflix, 2025) |
What Did Ruby Franke Do? The Child Abuse Charges Explained
Ruby Franke’s arrest in August 2023 was triggered by the escape of her 12-year-old son from the home of Jodi Hildebrandt in Ivins, Utah. The boy was found emaciated, with open wounds and duct tape on his limbs. He told police he had been starved, restrained, and isolated as part of a discipline regimen. When officers searched Hildebrandt’s home, they also discovered Franke’s 9-year-old daughter in similar condition, malnourished and injured.
According to court documents and media reports, the children were subjected to prolonged starvation, physical restraint, and emotional isolation in what was described as a “concentration camp-like” setting. Ruby Franke later admitted to torturing her children as part of her guilty plea.
Why Was She Arrested?
The abuse came to light because the 12-year-old boy managed to flee the house and ask a neighbor for help. The neighbor contacted law enforcement, leading to the immediate arrest of both Franke and Hildebrandt on six counts of felony aggravated child abuse. The charges covered the treatment of both children from June 2023 onward.
What Did She Plead Guilty To?
On December 18, 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. She later pleaded not guilty to two other counts. The plea deal avoided a full trial and included her admission that she had tortured her children. Jodi Hildebrandt also entered a guilty plea to the same charges.
When Was Ruby Franke Arrested and What Is the Sentence?
Arrest and Initial Charges
Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested on August 30, 2023. They were initially held without bail while the investigation unfolded. The charges were six counts of felony aggravated child abuse, reflecting the severity of the physical and emotional harm inflicted on Franke’s two youngest children.
Sentencing Details
On February 20, 2024, Franke was sentenced to four consecutive prison terms, each ranging from 1 to 15 years. Under Utah law, the maximum she can actually serve is 30 years. The board that will determine her exact release date is the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Hildebrandt received an identical sentence.
Franke agreed to serve her sentences consecutively, meaning she must complete each term before beginning the next. However, because the terms are indeterminate (1–15 years each), the actual time served will depend on parole board decisions.
Where Is Ruby Franke Now? Current Status in 2025
Ruby Franke is currently incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Springville, Utah. Her youngest children, who were the victims of the abuse, have been placed in protective custody. The court has sealed all details regarding their custody to protect their privacy.
Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, filed for divorce shortly after her arrest and has publicly stated that he is focused on keeping the children together and in his care. He has not been charged with any crime, and there is no public evidence linking him to the abuse. However, the official custody status of the children remains uncertain, as the case files are sealed.
The names and specific locations of the children have been legally protected from public disclosure. Kevin Franke has said he is caring for them, but no court document confirms full custody. The oldest daughter, Sharie Franke, has published a book titled A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom about her experiences.
What Is the Ruby Franke Netflix Documentary? Devil in the Family Explained
Two major documentary projects have covered the Ruby Franke case. The first, titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, premiered on Disney+ in late 2024/early 2025. It focuses on the family perspective, including interviews with Kevin Franke and Sharie Franke. The second, from Netflix, is called Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, released in December 2025, and centers on Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence and the ConneXions program.
Both documentaries draw on court documents, personal interviews, and footage from the 8 Passengers channel. They provide complementary but distinct angles on the same tragic story.
Who Is Jodi Hildebrandt and What Is ConneXions Counseling?
Jodi Hildebrandt was a licensed clinical social worker who operated a business called ConneXions Classroom. She marketed her “tough love” parenting methodology to families, and Ruby Franke became one of her most devoted clients. Over time, Hildebrandt moved into Franke’s home and took control of the household’s discipline routines.
ConneXions has been described by former clients and associates as a controlling, quasi-cult-like environment that promoted extreme isolation and psychological coercion. The program was not a licensed mental health practice, and Hildebrandt’s methods have been widely criticized as abusive. In January 2025, a federal lawsuit was filed against both Franke and Hildebrandt by Michael Tilleman, the husband of a former ConneXions client, alleging business fraud and the promotion of a “methodology that encouraged child abuse among their clients.”
Ruby Franke Case Timeline: From YouTube Stardom to Prison
- ~2015: Ruby Franke launches the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, documenting family life with husband Kevin and six children.
- 2022: Growing concerns from viewers about parenting methods; Ruby begins working with counselor Jodi Hildebrandt and ConneXions.
- Early 2023: Kevin Franke moves out of the family home; Ruby’s content becomes increasingly extreme and erratic.
- August 30, 2023: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are arrested in Ivins, Utah, after Ruby’s 12-year-old son escapes and seeks help from a neighbor.
- September 2023: Both are charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse; they are held without bail.
- December 18, 2023: Ruby Franke pleads guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse in a plea deal.
- February 20, 2024: Ruby Franke is sentenced to four concurrent prison terms of 1 to 15 years; Jodi Hildebrandt receives the same sentence.
- 2024–2025: Ruby Franke is incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility; children are placed in protective custody; documentaries are released.
Rumors vs. Facts: Clarifying What Is Known
| Claim | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Franke’s children were starved and abused | Confirmed | Court documents and Ruby’s own guilty plea confirm physical and emotional abuse, including deprivation of food and confinement. |
| Kevin Franke knew about the abuse | Uncertain | Kevin Franke has not been charged; he claimed in interviews he was unaware of the extent of the abuse. No public evidence links him to the crimes. |
| Ruby Franke will serve the full 30 years | Uncertain | The sentence is 4 concurrent terms of 1 to 15 years, meaning the minimum before parole eligibility is as low as 1 year, but the maximum is 30 years. Actual release depends on parole board decisions. |
| The children are now living with Kevin Franke | Uncertain | Official custody details remain sealed by the court to protect the minors’ privacy. Kevin Franke has stated he cares for the children, but no public confirmation of full custody exists. |
| ConneXions is a licensed therapy practice | False | ConneXions was not a licensed mental health practice; Jodi Hildebrandt was a licensed clinical social worker but operated outside standard therapeutic boundaries. The program has been widely criticized as a cult-like influence. |
Analysis: Why the Ruby Franke Case Matters
The Dark Side of Family Vlogging
The Ruby Franke case exposed the lack of oversight in the family vlogging industry, where children’s lives are monetized without legal protections. Advocates have called for ‘child influencer’ laws similar to California’s Coogan Law for child actors.
Influence and Manipulation
Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence over Ruby Franke raises questions about how unregulated counseling practices can exploit vulnerable individuals. The ConneXions program has been described by former members as controlling and psychologically abusive.
The Legal Precedent
Utah vs. Franke/Hildebrandt set a precedent for prosecuting parental abuse in the context of online content creation. The guilty plea without trial avoided a potentially lengthy public airing of the family’s private trauma.
Official Sources and Key Quotations
The following sources provide authoritative information on the Ruby Franke case:
- Washington County Attorney’s Office – Utah vs. Franke/Hildebrandt (official case page)
- Wikipedia: Ruby Franke (comprehensive biography and case overview)
- Netflix Tudum – Where Are Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke Now?
- Disney+: Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke
- Utah State Courts – Public Case Search
What Happens Next? The Future of the Ruby Franke Case
Ruby Franke remains eligible for parole, and future legal motions or appeals could affect her sentence timeline. The children’s legal status will remain sealed until they reach adulthood or the court decides to release information. Potential civil lawsuits may emerge against ConneXions or associated parties. Legislative changes regarding family vlogging and child online labor protections may accelerate following this high-profile case. More documentary content or investigative journalism may follow as other family vlogging families face scrutiny.
For a broader look at similar cases involving public figures and legal downfall, read about Jeremy Kyle – Show Cancellation, New Wife, Net Worth and Career and Dave Lee Travis – Biography, Conviction and Radio Career (2025).
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ruby Franke Case
What is the Ruby Franke Netflix documentary called?
The Netflix documentary is titled ‘Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story’ (released December 2025). It focuses on Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence in the case. The Disney+ documentary is called ‘Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’.
How did Ruby Franke get caught?
Ruby Franke was arrested on August 30, 2023, after her 12-year-old son escaped from her home in Ivins, Utah, and ran to a neighbor’s house, asking for food and water. The neighbor contacted police, who found signs of severe abuse and neglect.
What was the 8 Passengers YouTube channel about?
8 Passengers was a family vlogging channel run by Ruby Franke and her husband Kevin, documenting their daily life with six children. The channel gained millions of subscribers before facing backlash for controversial parenting methods and eventual criminal charges.
Is Ruby Franke still married to Kevin Franke?
Kevin Franke filed for divorce shortly after Ruby’s arrest in 2023. The divorce was finalized in 2024.
What is the ConneXions counseling program?
ConneXions is a counseling/coaching program founded by Jodi Hildebrandt. It has been criticized as a controlling, quasi-cult-like entity. Hildebrandt used her influence over Ruby Franke, leading to the abusive conditions that resulted in both women’s convictions.
Where are Ruby Franke’s children now?
The children are in protective custody; specific details have been sealed by the court to protect their privacy. Kevin Franke has publicly stated he is caring for them.
What does ‘concurrent sentences’ mean for Ruby Franke?
Ruby Franke received four concurrent sentences of 1 to 15 years each. This means she will serve all sentences at the same time, not back-to-back. The earliest possible parole eligibility is after the minimum term (1 year from sentencing), but the maximum possible incarceration is 15 years on the longest count.
Priya Mehta is Economics & Policy Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, covering the UK economy, inflation, interest rates, fiscal policy and trade policy.