Inside YouTuber Ruby Franke's harrowing child abuse as she's sentenced to prison
21.02.2024 - 11:03
/ ok.co.uk
Ruby Franke, a disgraced parenting influencer and family vlogger, has been sentenced to up to 60 years behind bars after pleading guilty to abusing her children.
The former vlogger, 42, who was popular on social media with her '8 Passengers channel', received her sentence in Utah today, 20 February. She and her husband Kevin Franke shared their life with their six children - Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. Over the years, Ruby gained a large following, with up to two million people watching her videos.
However, everything changed when her 12 year old son jumped out of a window and ran to a nearby house asking for help.
The surprised homeowners found the "emaciated" young boy at their door. He had visible injuries on his body and tape marks on his wrists and ankles. He asked the man for food and water, who then called 911 to report the incident.
Police arrived at the home of Ruby's business partner, Jodi Hildebrant, 54, from which the boy had escaped in Ivins, Utah.
There, they discovered Franke's 10 year old daughter in what they described as a "similar physical condition of malnourishment" inside Jodi's home.
The two young children were taken to the hospital where they were assessed, with family members confirming they are "okay". After the police came to their house in Springville, Utah, all four kids, including two older teens, were taken by child services. Shari, Ruby's eldest daughter, expressed her relief when her mum got arrested.
She posted a picture of cops at their house saying: "Finally". She also said: "Today has been a big day. Me and my family are so glad justice is being served.