Former '8 Passengers' Host Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Receive Up to 60-Year Prison Sentence for Aggravated Child Abuse
Feb 21, 12:00 PM
Ruby Franke, the former host of the popular YouTube channel "8 Passengers," was sentenced to up to 60 years in prison for aggravated child abuse on Tuesday. The sentencing came as a result of Franke's plea deal, in which she admitted to four counts of child abuse, each carrying a sentence of one to 15 years, to be served consecutively.
During the sentencing, Franke broke down in tears, expressing her willingness to serve the prison term. "I am humbled and willing to serve a prison sentence for as long as I need," Franke, 42, told the judge. She also apologized for distorting religious doctrine, stating, "I am committed to unlearning my toxic behavior."
Franke's former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, received the same sentence. Both women had pleaded guilty in December 2023 to charges of aggravated child abuse, with Franke admitting to torturing her children by methods such as holding their heads underwater and starving them.
"I sincerely loved these children," Hildebrandt said in response to the judge's decision. "One of the reasons I didn’t go to trial is I didn’t want them to relive this."
The pair's arrest in late August stemmed from allegations of aggravated child abuse against Franke's children. Among the disturbing acts described in legal documents was Franke's binding of one of her sons with handcuffs and rope, suspending his arms and lower legs off the ground.
Franke's family members, including her sister-in-law Cynthia Franke, had expressed their desire for justice. Cynthia Franke had stated, "I don’t think she should get out on bail. I do believe the allegations against her."
Behind the scenes of their public persona on "8 Passengers," Ruby and her husband Kevin's marriage began to crumble. They turned to Hildebrandt's therapy group, ConneXions, for assistance, ultimately leading to their separation. Kevin, who was not charged with any crimes related to the child abuse, demanded Hildebrandt be financially responsible for his children's healthcare costs.
The sentencing marks a tragic turn for the former YouTube personality, whose rise to fame was marked by family vlogs documenting the lives of her and Kevin with their six children. Now, as Franke faces the consequences of her actions, the future remains uncertain for her family and the victims of her abuse.
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During the sentencing, Franke broke down in tears, expressing her willingness to serve the prison term. "I am humbled and willing to serve a prison sentence for as long as I need," Franke, 42, told the judge. She also apologized for distorting religious doctrine, stating, "I am committed to unlearning my toxic behavior."
Franke's former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, received the same sentence. Both women had pleaded guilty in December 2023 to charges of aggravated child abuse, with Franke admitting to torturing her children by methods such as holding their heads underwater and starving them.
"I sincerely loved these children," Hildebrandt said in response to the judge's decision. "One of the reasons I didn’t go to trial is I didn’t want them to relive this."
The pair's arrest in late August stemmed from allegations of aggravated child abuse against Franke's children. Among the disturbing acts described in legal documents was Franke's binding of one of her sons with handcuffs and rope, suspending his arms and lower legs off the ground.
Franke's family members, including her sister-in-law Cynthia Franke, had expressed their desire for justice. Cynthia Franke had stated, "I don’t think she should get out on bail. I do believe the allegations against her."
Behind the scenes of their public persona on "8 Passengers," Ruby and her husband Kevin's marriage began to crumble. They turned to Hildebrandt's therapy group, ConneXions, for assistance, ultimately leading to their separation. Kevin, who was not charged with any crimes related to the child abuse, demanded Hildebrandt be financially responsible for his children's healthcare costs.
The sentencing marks a tragic turn for the former YouTube personality, whose rise to fame was marked by family vlogs documenting the lives of her and Kevin with their six children. Now, as Franke faces the consequences of her actions, the future remains uncertain for her family and the victims of her abuse.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com