The chilling story of Ruby Franke, once celebrated as a family vlogger, took a dark turn with her conviction for child abuse, which is the subject of Hulu's new documentary, "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke." Released on February 27, 2024, this three-part series sheds light on the shocking events surrounding Franke's rise and fall, featuring firsthand accounts from her estranged husband Kevin Franke and their two eldest children, Chad and Shari.
Initially, Ruby Franke captured hearts with her YouTube channel, "8 Passengers," showcasing her life as a mother of six. But behind her charming videos lurked serious allegations, which began surfacing around 2020 when viewers started expressing concerns over her strict parenting methods. Critics noted practices like denying meals and peculiar punishments, which led to an online petition with over 18,000 signatures calling for state intervention. Despite investigations concluding with no evidence against the Frankes at the time, the situation escalated dramatically.
Ruby’s parenting methods became even more drastic after she began working closely with Jodi Hildebrandt, a therapist who promoted extreme forms of discipline. Their joint business venture, ConneXions, sought to counsel parents, but later proved controversial due to their harsh techniques. Reports indicated children were subjected to starvation, isolation, and physical punishment—actions led by Franke under Hildebrandt's influence.
After years of intensifying concern, Franke's youngest son managed to escape from Hildebrandt's home, seeking help from neighbors who immediately contacted authorities. When the police arrived, they found him and his sister malnourished and showing clear signs of physical abuse.
According to prosecutors, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse following this incident. Their arrest was shocking for many fans of the family, who had previously viewed them as models of wholesome parenting.
The charges against them detailed horrendous treatments toward the children, including being denied basic needs like food and water. Testimony from Franke's own children, revealed through the documentary, described harrowing experiences of emotional and physical abuse.
On December 19, 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and received six consecutive sentences ranging from one to 15 years. Hildebrandt faced similar charges and received the same sentence. Franke’s attempt to distance herself from the heinous activities by blaming Hildebrandt did not mitigate the consequences of her actions.
During her sentencing, Ruby expressed remorse, saying, "I took from you all that's soft, and safe, and good. You are so precious to me. I'm sorry." This heartfelt apology was received with mixed emotions, as many maintain there had been years of warning signs ignored.
Meanwhile, Shari Franke, who has publicly spoken about her experiences, praised the police for finally acting on the case. She revealed on social media, "Me and my family are so glad justice is being served. We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up." Her words echoed the sentiments of other family members, expressing relief at the children's rescue.
Today, Ruby Franke serves her time at the Utah State Correctional Facility. Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Kevin Franke, has been fighting for custody of their children. He filed for divorce soon after Ruby's arrest, noting the devastating impact her actions had on their family. Kevin has redirected his efforts toward rebuilding relationships with his surviving children, seeking legal protections to prevent such abuses from occurring again.
The documentary, "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke," not only recounts the timeline of this family tragedy but also serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of parenting and public life. The series presents exclusive footage and personal insights, making it evident how quickly online fame can spiral out of control, with real-world consequences.
"Devil in the Family" is currently available for streaming on Hulu, offering audiences the chance to digest the full scope of this harrowing narrative and reflect on the realities of family vlogging.