Ruby Franke and her husband, Kevin Franke, are now officially divorced following a tumultuous period marked by serious allegations of child abuse. The divorce, finalized on March 20, 2025, was settled under the terms of irreconcilable differences, with a Fourth District Court Judge confirming the decree. Kevin filed for divorce in November 2023, just three months after a disturbing incident prompted significant scrutiny over Ruby's parenting and led to her arrest.
The couple, married since December 28, 2000, has six children together, four of whom are still minors. Kevin Franke will retain full legal and physical custody of these children, pending further orders from the Juvenile Court currently overseeing custody matters. Ruby, who once garnered a strong following as a popular YouTube vlogger on her channel "8 Passengers," faces serious repercussions stemming from her criminal actions.
In August 2023, Ruby was arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse after one of her sons escaped from a relative’s home, prompting police intervention. Prosecutors described the living conditions of the two youngest Franke children as akin to a “concentration camp,” characterized by physical torture and severe neglect. During her plea deal in December of that year, Ruby admitted to several charges, admitting to holding her son's head underwater and forcing her children into exhausting physical tasks without adequate food or water.
As a result of her convictions, Ruby was sentenced to serve between one and 15 years in prison and is currently set to have her case reviewed by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole on December 1, 2026. During the court proceedings, she expressed her disorientation at her actions, stating, “I was so disoriented that I believed dark was light and right was wrong. I would do anything in this world for you,” referring to her children. This statement reflected the deep remorse she felt for her children and the severe nature of her crimes.
Amid the divorce proceedings, Kevin Franke was awarded their family home in Springville and a recreational lot in Scofield. The couple’s assets were divided, with Ruby allowed to keep her premarital property and her personal bank account, as well as over $85,000 that she withdrew from family accounts prior to the separation. However, Kevin will retain all other financial accounts, and neither party requested alimony, suggesting both believe they can manage their respective financial needs independently.
The custody arrangement highlights the stark fallout from Ruby’s actions. The divorce decree also included stipulations for the children’s welfare, such as Ruby being barred from any contact with them. This decision was made to ensure the safety and stability of the children, following the distressing reports of emotional and physical abuse during her time as their caretaker.
As they move forward, the future remains uncertain for both Ruby and Kevin. While Ruby continues to serve her prison sentence and her case awaits review, Kevin now shoulders the responsibility of raising their children alone. Legal experts have noted that the complexities of such a high-profile case will likely influence future custody and divorce proceedings, especially in circumstances involving allegations of abuse.
In Texas, similar cases have led to stringent scrutiny of parental rights, particularly for those who have been involved in criminal activities that jeopardize the safety of children. The ramifications of Ruby Franke’s case could serve as a landmark example in future legal discussions concerning child custody in instances of parental abuse.
Despite the fame from the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel that once portrayed an idyllic family life, this case has unraveled a troubling narrative of parental responsibility gone awry, drawing attention to the serious implications of child abuse within families that are often in the public eye. The stark contrast between their online persona and real-world actions underscores the growing concerns surrounding social media influencers and their perceived authority on parenting.
Ruby’s story and the surrounding court proceedings have captured widespread media attention, prompting intense scrutiny and empathy from viewers who followed her journey online. As the public continues to engage with this story, Kevin Franke’s decision to take sole custody reflects a crucial shift from previously shared family moments to the harsh reality of protecting their children’s wellbeing.
As the divorce is finalized, the Franke family’s saga serves as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities parenthood entails, especially in the ever-watchful lens of social media. The outcomes of this case will resonate far beyond the courtroom as it challenges public perceptions and expectations of family dynamics within the digital age.
This divorce marks the end of an era for the Frankes, shifting from a shared family narrative to a fragmented reality filled with difficult truths and significant personal challenges that lie ahead for both parents and their children.
