YouTube personality arrested after son found with injuries and restraints
Ruby Franke, widely known from the “8 Passengers” family YouTube channel, now faces six felony child abuse charges following her recent arrest in Utah. The Washington County Attorney’s Office confirmed the charges on Tuesday, days after police found Franke’s 12-year-old son in a distressing condition.
Authorities reported that the boy, severely underweight and injured, escaped from Jodi Hildebrandt’s residence, where he had been living with Franke. The child was reportedly found with open wounds and duct tape on his wrists and ankles. He managed to reach a neighbor’s home for help, where he disclosed his condition, leading the neighbor to call law enforcement.
Both Franke and Hildebrandt, her business associate, were arrested shortly after this discovery. According to the affidavit, the boy’s physical condition indicated prolonged mistreatment, sparking immediate action from authorities.
Franke’s YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” gained popularity for documenting the family’s day-to-day life, but recently, followers raised concerns over her parenting practices, calling them overly strict. Allegations of mistreatment and negligence had surfaced previously, with social media users questioning the welfare of her children.
Investigators are now reviewing evidence from the home and examining reports that may connect to the charges. As the case unfolds, the YouTube community and social media users are closely watching, with many expressing shock over the severe allegations against a once-celebrated internet figure.
Franke and Hildebrandt remain in custody as the case proceeds, with additional hearings expected to clarify the extent of the alleged abuse and further legal actions.