Ruby Franke Timeline: From YouTube Fame to Prison
Chronicle of a family vlogger's rise to fame, the exposure of severe child abuse, guilty plea, prison sentence, and family fallout.
Ruby Franke, once a prominent family vlogger with over 2.5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel 8 Passengers, fell from grace after being convicted of coercive control and child abuse. Her public persona as a strict yet loving parent unraveled when her 12-year-old son escaped her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt’s home in August 2023, revealing years of hidden abuse. Police found malnourished children, duct tape, and evidence of extreme punishments.
By February 2024, Franke was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony counts. Her controversial parenting style, amplified by her partnership with Hildebrandt, sparked public outrage and led to the shutdown of her YouTube channel. The case exposed the dangers of unchecked family vlogging and the lack of protections for children in this space. Ruby’s family has since severed ties, with her eldest daughter Shari and ex-husband Kevin publicly condemning her actions.
This story highlights the dark side of influencer culture and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard children featured in online content.
Ruby Franke Timeline: From YouTube Fame to Prison Sentence
Early Life and Family Background
Childhood and Upbringing
Ruby Franke, born Ruby Griffiths on January 18, 1982, grew up in Logan, Utah, as part of a large family deeply connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This religious foundation played a significant role in shaping her upbringing, family values, and eventual parenting style.
Her parents, Chad and Jennifer Griffiths, were active members of the LDS Church and even served as missionaries in Serbia. They embraced a lifestyle of public sharing, fostering a family culture that celebrated documenting their lives. This inclination toward openness extended to Ruby’s three sisters - Ellie Mecham, Julie Griffiths Deru, and Bonnie Hoellein - who also became well-known family vloggers.
Ruby often spoke positively about her faith, mentioning that her family wasn’t "loud and in your face" with their beliefs but enjoyed sharing them through social media. However, early accounts suggest a stricter side to her parenting approach. Her eldest daughter, Shari, later described unsettling moments from her childhood:
"When I was younger around, like, 5-6 [years old], Ruby was really physical. Whether it was like a slap to the lip or a slap to the cheek… when I would practice the piano, her hand would slam and it was really scary".
Even during her youth, Ruby’s strict discipline hinted at patterns that would eventually draw public scrutiny. This combination of a public-facing family life and a strict religious upbringing laid the groundwork for the parenting style that would later define her online persona.
Marriage to Kevin Franke
Ruby met Kevin Franke at Utah State University in 2000, and the two married later that year. Over the next decade, they welcomed six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve, born between 2003 and 2013. The family settled in Utah, where Ruby began shaping her parenting philosophy.
Initially, Ruby’s approach to parenting was framed as a "messy-but-wholesome" alternative to the polished image of other influencers. Her content often highlighted outdoor adventures and religious values, creating the foundation for what would become the 8 Passengers brand.
However, by the summer of 2020, cracks began to show in Ruby’s family relationships. Her parents expressed concern, describing her as "unrecognizable" and accusing her of fabricating or exaggerating events. After her arrest, they remarked: "She was delusional. She was so deeply brainwashed we could not recognize her".
These early experiences and family dynamics set the stage for Ruby’s rise as a controversial parenting figure. Her story has since become a major focus of true crime news and legal analysis.
The Launch and Growth of 8 Passengers
Starting the Channel in 2015
Ruby Franke began her YouTube journey on January 8, 2015, with the creation of the 8 Passengers channel. The name represented her family of eight - Ruby, her husband Kevin, and their six children - living in Springville, Utah.
The channel served as a space to document everyday moments with her family. Ruby also integrated their LDS faith naturally into the content, offering a raw and unfiltered look at their lives. Videos featured structured parenting, home-schooling, and day-to-day family activities, offering a refreshing contrast to the more polished, luxury-driven content often seen from other parenting influencers.
Ruby adhered to a strict schedule, uploading daily vlogs to quickly grow her audience. This consistency, combined with relatable content like simple family outings, helped establish the Frankes as a "messy-but-wholesome alternative" in the family vlogging space. This disciplined approach paid off, as the channel began to attract a loyal following.
Growth to 2.5 Million Subscribers
By June 2020, Ruby's dedication had propelled the channel to approximately 2.5 million subscribers and over 1 billion total views. The Frankes capitalized on popular YouTube trends, such as gender reveals and daily vlogs, to highlight the joys and challenges of raising a large family.
True Crime Lounge noted, "The Frankes seemed to have struck a chord with viewers, showcasing the joys, challenges, and complexities of modern family life".
The channel's growth was further amplified by the broader family vlogging trend and Ruby's connections. Her three sisters - Ellie Mecham, Julie Griffiths Deru, and Bonnie Hoellein - ran their own successful channels, forming a network that expanded Ruby's reach. This network helped her content resonate not only within the LDS community but also with a wider audience. Over time, the Frankes cultivated an image of a happy, structured household, which would later come under intense scrutiny.
Public Backlash and Criticism
Concerns About Discipline Methods
As the 8 Passengers channel gained popularity, viewers began noticing parenting practices by Ruby Franke that many found alarming. What initially appeared to be strict discipline started to raise serious questions about whether her methods were crossing a line.
One of the first major incidents occurred in 2020, when Ruby's 15-year-old son, Chad, revealed on camera that he had been forced to sleep on a beanbag for seven months as punishment for pranking his younger brother. This revelation sparked immediate outrage, with many accusing Ruby of using excessive and harmful disciplinary measures.
Another incident that drew widespread criticism involved Ruby's six-year-old daughter, Eve. Ruby refused to pack her a lunch, claiming that experiencing hunger would teach her responsibility. She even went as far as instructing school staff not to provide Eve with food.
In another controversial move, Ruby and her husband Kevin decided to cancel Christmas for their two youngest children, Russell and Eve. Instead of gifts, Ruby said they would receive "the gift of repentance". This decision, shared in a video, quickly went viral and led to significant public backlash.
By May 2020, the public's concerns escalated to the point where a Change.org petition was created, urging the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to investigate the Franke household. The petition garnered over 18,000 signatures. While DCFS did conduct a visit, the case was initially closed due to "insufficient evidence". However, Ruby’s eldest daughter, Shari, later commented:
"Me and my family are so glad justice is being served. We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up".
As public outrage over Ruby's parenting methods grew, she attempted to shift her image, though this effort only deepened the controversy.
Attempts to Rebrand the Channel
Under intense scrutiny from viewers and child welfare advocates, Ruby made a notable pivot in June 2022. Instead of softening her approach, she leaned further into her strict parenting philosophy. Her videos began to focus on justifying her harsh punishments, doubling down on the methods that had already drawn so much criticism.
Ruby also partnered with Jodi Hildebrandt, a life coach behind the company ConneXions, and rebranded herself as a "mental health coach." Together, they launched the "Moms of Truth" Instagram page, promoting what Ruby described as "principles-based" parenting - an even stricter philosophy than before.
Despite these efforts, the rebranding did little to quell public concerns. In fact, her new content became even more extreme, further alienating viewers. Ruby’s rebranding coincided with significant personal upheaval, including cutting ties with family members and living separately from her husband Kevin for 13 months before her arrest. The once-wholesome family image that had drawn 2.5 million subscribers was replaced by a troubling narrative centered on control, obedience, and repentance, leaving many to question the motivations behind her parenting philosophy.
Working with Jodi Hildebrandt
ConneXions Classroom and Joint Podcast
Ruby Franke's connection with Jodi Hildebrandt dates back to 2019, when Hildebrandt was recommended by their church as a therapist for Ruby's oldest son. What began as professional counseling quickly turned into a mentorship. By 2020, Ruby was paying Hildebrandt to act as her personal mentor.
Hildebrandt, a therapist based in Utah, established ConneXions in 2007. The program offered counseling for marriage, parenting, and life issues, targeting members of the LDS Church. However, her professional credibility had already been questioned. In 2012, her counseling license was put on probation for 18 months after she disclosed confidential client information to the LDS Church and Brigham Young University.
By 2022, Ruby and Jodi had transitioned into business partners. Together, they launched the "ConneXions" YouTube channel and created the Instagram account "Moms of Truth", which grew to 329,000 followers. Through these platforms, they promoted parenting classes rooted in Hildebrandt's philosophy of "Truth" versus "Distortion", focusing on principles like Honesty, Responsibility, and Humility. This partnership marked a turning point in Ruby's public image.
Changes to Public Image
Ruby's collaboration with Hildebrandt played a major role in reshaping her public persona. She distanced herself from family members who questioned her new beliefs and separated from her husband, Kevin. Adopting the ConneXions philosophy, which painted the external world as hostile, Ruby embraced stricter disciplinary measures. She began teaching that children could be "evil and possessed", advocating for severe physical punishment as a way for them to "repent".
Washington County Prosecutor Eric Clarke described the situation as an example of extreme religious influence, saying:
"Ruby was essentially a follower of Jodi, and if she's gathering people and then convincing them to do this kind of thing, that's a huge risk."
Hildebrandt’s license for clinical mental health counseling was officially revoked on May 10, 2024, following her criminal convictions. This partnership not only deepened Ruby's isolation but also radicalized her parenting practices, drawing intense legal and public scrutiny.
The Arrest on August 30, 2023
12-Year-Old Son Escapes
On August 30, 2023, Ruby Franke's 12-year-old son managed to escape from Jodi Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah. He climbed through a window and sought help at a neighbor's house, asking for food and water. The neighbor quickly noticed the boy's alarming condition - he appeared severely underweight, malnourished, and had duct tape wrapped around his ankles and wrists. The neighbor immediately contacted 911.
When officers arrived, they found the boy in critical condition. Local authorities reported, "The calling party stated the juvenile appeared to be emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities". Further investigation revealed deep lacerations caused by being tied with rope. Shockingly, Hildebrandt had attempted to treat the wounds using cayenne pepper and honey.
The boy also informed the police that two of his siblings were still inside the home. Acting swiftly, officers obtained a search warrant, approved just four minutes after submission. Inside the residence, they found his 9-year-old sister locked in a closet. She was described as being "petrified" and severely malnourished. This escape and subsequent discovery led to the immediate arrest of both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt.
Six Felony Charges Filed
The events at Hildebrandt's home quickly resulted in legal action. Both Franke and Hildebrandt were charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony in Utah. Each count carries a potential sentence of 1 to 15 years. Following their arrest, four of Franke's minor children were placed in the custody of the Department of Child and Family Services.
During the investigation, police seized several items from Hildebrandt's home, including two pairs of handcuffs, multiple ropes, duct tape, and Saran wrap. Prosecutors later revealed that the abuse stemmed from extreme religious beliefs. Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke stated:
"The defendants appear to have fully believed that the abuse they inflicted was necessary to teach the children how to properly repent for imagined 'sins' and to cast the evil spirits out of their bodies".
Ruby Franke's oldest daughter, Shari Franke, who had been estranged from her mother, expressed relief on social media:
"Me and my family are so glad justice is being served. We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up".
Guilty Plea and Prison Sentence
Pleading Guilty in December 2023
After her shocking arrest, Ruby Franke's legal case moved forward quickly. On December 18, 2023, she pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse. As part of a plea deal, two additional charges were dropped, and she agreed to testify against her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. During the court proceedings, Franke expressed remorse, stating:
"With my deepest regret and sorrow for my family and my children, guilty."
The Washington County Attorney's Office agreed to take a neutral stance in future hearings as part of the deal. Franke's defense team highlighted her acceptance of responsibility but also pointed to Hildebrandt's role in influencing her. According to the defense, Hildebrandt manipulated Franke into adopting what they described as a "distorted sense of morality", isolating her from her family and leading her into a "dark delusion." These claims align with earlier reports of Hildebrandt's extreme influence over Franke's parenting decisions. Evidence presented in court included Franke's journal entries and testimony from her 12-year-old son, who detailed being bound, starved, and tortured.
Sentenced in February 2024
On February 20, 2024, Judge John J. Walton handed down Ruby Franke's sentence: four consecutive prison terms of 1 to 15 years each. Though the total sentence amounts to 60 years, Utah law limits actual prison time to 30 years, with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole determining the final duration. Jodi Hildebrandt received the same sentence. During the sentencing, Judge Walton delivered a harsh rebuke, stating:
"Your conduct in this case was disastrous for these children."
Court documents revealed the extent of the abuse suffered by Franke's children. They were subjected to physical torture, restrained with handcuffs and duct tape, deprived of food and water, and forced to perform grueling labor in extreme heat without shoes. Prosecutors noted that while Franke appeared to show some acknowledgment of her actions, Hildebrandt continued to display a lack of remorse, even making troubling statements from jail.
Consequences and Family Fallout
YouTube Removes All Content
On September 6, 2023, YouTube permanently shut down the 8 Passengers and ConneXions channels associated with Ruby Franke, 39, citing its "creator responsibility guidelines" after her arrest on felony child abuse charges. A YouTube spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating the channels were terminated in line with these guidelines.
The 8 Passengers channel had amassed a large audience over the years, but YouTube's actions didn’t stop there. The platform also implemented measures to monitor and remove any third-party accounts attempting to re-upload Franke’s content. Furthermore, Franke was permanently banned from posting on the platform.
While this marked YouTube’s final break from Franke's online presence, the repercussions extended far beyond the digital realm.
Family Members Severed Ties
Ruby Franke's arrest deeply fractured her family. Her eldest daughter, Shari, took to social media to express relief, revealing that the family had been trying to alert authorities for years.
In November 2023, Kevin Franke filed for divorce, which was finalized on March 20, 2025. By November 2025, Kevin remarried Becca Bevan in a ceremony attended by his eldest children, Shari and Chad. He also gained full custody of the four youngest children earlier that year, in March 2025.
Ruby’s sisters - Ellie Mecham, Julie Deru, and Bonnie Hoellein - broke their silence in a joint statement. They explained that they had refrained from speaking out for three years to protect the children but agreed the arrests were necessary. In October 2024, Shari testified before Utah lawmakers about the dangers of family vlogging, calling herself a "victim of family vlogging" and sharing how it "ruined my innocence." She later detailed her experiences in a memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom, published on January 7, 2025.
Kevin, Chad, and Shari also participated in a Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which aired in February 2025. The series delved into their experiences and the lasting effects of the abuse. Chad, meanwhile, took to social media in August 2024 to mock his mother’s situation, posting, "Happy Prisonversary".
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are scheduled for parole hearings in December 2026.
A Full Timeline of Ruby Franke's DISTURBING Allegations (in 23 minutes)
What the Ruby Franke Case Teaches Us
The Ruby Franke case sheds light on critical failures in oversight and the troubling aspects of influencer culture. Despite early warnings - such as petitions and reports - authorities failed to act, exposing significant gaps in child protection systems. The prolonged neglect and delayed intervention reveal how digital fame can sometimes mask severe abuse.
YouTube only took action to remove Franke's content after her felony arrest. This delayed response highlights a troubling reality: profit motives often take precedence over child safety. Franke's channel, which turned strict family discipline into a form of entertainment, was a prime example of this conflict.
Another unsettling aspect of the case is how influencer personas can disguise harmful behavior. Franke's carefully curated public image stood in stark contrast to her private actions, which included journal entries describing her children as "possessed" to justify abuse. Her eldest daughter, Shari, later revealed, "The nice version of her was manufactured for YouTube".
Perhaps most concerning is the lack of protections for children featured in family vlogs. Unlike child actors in traditional media, these children often have no labor rights or financial safeguards. Adding to the gravity of the situation, a federal lawsuit filed in January 2025 accused Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, of fraud and racketeering. The lawsuit claims they promoted services that encouraged abusive practices, signaling a push to hold influencers accountable for unethical behavior.
This case not only highlights alarming regulatory gaps but also sparks conversations about the need for legal reforms to address exploitative practices in the influencer space.
FAQs
How much prison time will Ruby Franke actually serve?
Ruby Franke could face a prison sentence ranging from 4 to 30 years. The final decision on the length of her sentence will be made by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
What role did Jodi Hildebrandt and ConneXions play in the abuse?
Jodi Hildebrandt, along with her ConneXions program - which was based on teachings from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - became associated with the physical abuse and neglect of Ruby Franke’s children. This connection led to severe outcomes, including malnourishment and injuries. Both Hildebrandt and Franke admitted guilt to multiple charges of aggravated child abuse.
What protections exist for kids featured in family vlogs?
Protections for children featured in family vlogs have seen progress, especially following high-profile cases like Ruby Franke's. Utah has introduced new laws aimed at strengthening safeguards to prevent potential abuse or neglect, ensuring that children of influencers receive better protection in these online environments.