Tayyaba
TW : MENTIONS OF CHILD ABUSE
Ruby Franke, the mother of six and host of the now-defunct 8 Passengers YouTube channel, has been apprehended for reported child abuse after the dicovery of a “malnourished minor with open wounds and duct tape on their extremities'” She and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, are detained and remain in custody on charges of aggravated child abuse in Utah, according to Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The YouTuber’s estranged daughter has also commented on the situation while viewers say they saw this coming.
Why were Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt arrested?
Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on August 30, after police were notified about a report of a starving child. The child, whose name and age were not disclosed, appeared “emaciated and malnourished” and had “open wounds and duct tape around the extremities.” Authorities reported that the child had been requesting food and water, so they were transported to a local hospital due to their “severe” condition. The Department of Child and Family Services was also given four more minor children the police recovered, to take care of according to a press release.
The authorities then revealed they received information about more children in a nearby residence possibly facing similar conditions – which led them to search another nearby home. There they reportedly found another kid in “a similar physical condition of malnourishment.” The found child was also transported immediately to the hospital per a press release. Additionally, the police discovered evidence in the home “consistent with the markings found” on the first child. The two children were reportedly staying at Hildebrandt’s house at the time.
“Ms. Hildebrandt requested a lawyer and did not speak with us. Once given her charges, Ms. Hildebrandt informed me [the children] should never be allowed around any other kids.”
Police statement
What has Ruby Franke’s daughter said about the situation?
Shari Franke, Ruby’s estranged 20-year-old daughter, seemingly shared photos from the incident on her Instagram Story, which show a black vehicle and police officers in a residential area. She revealed some disturbing information with the caption of her post that read: “Finally. Today has been a big day. 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. Kids are safe, but there’s a long road ahead. Please keep them in your prayers and also respect their privacy.”
In a subsequent upload, Shari requested supporters to send her “questionable or concerning” content related to her mother’s now-deleted 8 Passengers YouTube channel. In the past, viewers had criticized Ruby’s extreme parenting methods, including a particular video that had circulated on social media where she was being extremely harsh to her 6-year-old daughter – letting her “starve” because she forgot her lunch at home.