41-year-old mother, Ruby and her husband, Kevin Franke, alongside their 6 children, formed a controversial YouTube channel called 8 Passengers. Their videos were about family life and parenting tips. This channel rose to fame in 2015, gaining 2.6 million subscribers. However, Ruby did not film alone. On some accounts, Ruby would film with business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. They would film for Hilderbrant’s family coaching company, Classrooms Connextion  

On August 30, 2023, around 10:50 am, Ruby Franke’s eldest son, age 12, climbed out of the window, ran to a nearby home and begged for food and water. The neighbor quickly noted the child was starving and covered in wounds. Soon after, the neighbor called law enforcement. The neighbor said “I think he’s been…. he’s been detained. He’s been, he is obviously covered in wounds.”   Once the police arrived on the scene, they stated that the child was severely malnourished and had many cuts. Authorities say, “The juvenile appeared to be emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities.” Later the police found another child, the Frankes’ 10-year-old daughter, in the same condition at Jodi’s home.  

Later that day both children were taken to a local hospital, and the other children were taken to Utah Division of Child and Family Services. Jodi Hildenbrandt and Ruby Franke were arrested, both charged with 6 felony counts of aggravated child abuse. Both are looking at 15 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Ruby Franke’s sister made a post online regarding this, writing, “We have kept quiet on the subject of Ruby Franke for the sake of her children. Behind the public scene we have done everything to try and make sure the kids were safe.” They added that Ruby’s arrest needed to happen, as did Jody’s. Fans of the channel raised concerns years ago, and an online petition was made to investigate the family.  

Currently, Ruby’s husband is speaking out and denies involvement in child abuse. He broke his silence and announced that he and Ruby had been living separately for 13 months. Franke’s lawyer, Randy Kester says, “He’s a good person, he’s gentle.”