Parenting YouTuber Arrested After Abused Son Escapes From Utah Home

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community, Ruby Franke, a YouTuber known for her parenting advice, is now under suspicion for child abuse. 

The incident unfolded in Ivins, Utah, where Franke was taken into custody alongside her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The pair had recently shared a YouTube video on their channel “ConneXions,” discussing victimhood and responsibility. However, their reputations took a dramatic turn as they were arrested following a distress call received by Santa Clara police around 10:50 p.m.

The harrowing scene came to light when Franke’s 12-year-old son managed to escape from Hildebrandt’s residence. He sought help from a neighbor, displaying signs of malnourishment and emaciation, with visible “open wounds and duct tape around the extremities.” 

The concerned neighbor, who noticed the distressing situation having seen duct tape on the child’s ankles and wrists called authorities.

The boy was taken to the hospital, where the severity of his condition became apparent and deep lacerations from being tied up and malnourishment were discovered, requiring medical attention.

Later, authorities discovered Franke’s 10-year-old daughter inside Hildebrandt’s residence. She too displayed signs of malnourishment. The girl was admitted to the hospital, while two other children of Franke’s were placed under child protection services. 

After the discovery of four children, both Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested on suspicion of aggravated child abuse. A judge has since denied bail for Franke, indicating the severity of the charges brought against her. 

YouTube parenting advice mom arrested on child abuse suspicion https://t.co/2mlIBHSltn

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) September 1, 2023

As investigations continued, it came out that Franke had appeared in a YouTube video filmed at Hildebrandt’s house, posted just two days prior to the incident. This suggests Franke’s presence at the scene and her knowledge of the abuse, malnourishment, and neglect that took place.

Franke was well-known for her YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” where she shared insights into her family’s life. Although the channel is now defunct, it once chronicled the challenges and joys of raising her six children with her husband. 

“Things can get crazy with six active kids, but we can find true joy in the journey if we love and support each other,” the channel’s description read, per Fox News.

Concerns had previously been raised by viewers about Franke’s parenting methods, with claims that she would use food as punishment and restrict her children from accessing it themselves.