In a significant turn of events, Ruby Franke, the controversial YouTube family vlogger, and her husband, Kevin Franke, have finalized their divorce following a tumultuous year marked by serious legal troubles. More than a year after Ruby was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for child abuse, the couple's divorce decree was signed by District Judge Roger Griffin on March 20, 2025. This decision comes as both parties attempt to move forward after a harrowing chapter in their lives.
Ruby Franke, who gained fame through her YouTube channel "8 Passengers," was arrested in August 2023 alongside her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, after alarming reports emerged about the condition of her children. Authorities discovered her 12-year-old son in a severely malnourished state, with open wounds and duct tape around his extremities. This shocking revelation prompted a police investigation that uncovered further abuse, leading to the eventual arrest of both women.
Following their arrest, Ruby and Jodi pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse. Utah state prosecutor Eric Clarke described their actions as "horrible acts of child abuse," highlighting the psychological and physical trauma inflicted on the children. The court sentenced both women to lengthy prison terms, with Ruby expressing remorse during her sentencing. "For the past four years, I've chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me into a dark delusion," she stated, acknowledging the pain caused to her children.
As part of the divorce settlement, Kevin Franke has been granted sole custody of their four minor children, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. Ruby has been ordered to have no contact with her children, a decision made by the 4th District Juvenile Court. Kevin also agreed to consider any child support payments owed to him by Ruby as already paid, indicating a desire to move forward without further financial entanglements.
In terms of assets, Kevin will retain ownership of their home in Springville, Utah, as well as a 2.8-acre property in Scofield, Carbon County. Meanwhile, Ruby will keep $85,000 that she withdrew from their joint accounts following their initial separation in 2022. Notably, neither party requested additional alimony, suggesting a mutual desire to sever ties as cleanly as possible.
Kevin filed for divorce in December 2023, just three months after Ruby's arrest. In recent interviews, he has expressed his feelings about the situation, revealing that he cut off all contact with Ruby after receiving a letter from her in prison. "I didn’t want to hear anymore," he admitted. "I didn’t like what she was saying. It just didn’t feel right and it didn’t feel good." His anger towards Ruby is palpable, as he continues to process the emotional fallout from their relationship.
The couple shares two adult children, 22-year-old Shari and 20-year-old Chad, who have also been affected by the events surrounding their parents. Shari has publicly voiced her relief that justice is being served for the abuse her siblings endured, while Kevin has remained focused on the well-being of the children still in his care.
In a recent documentary titled "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke," Kevin opened up about the disturbing dynamics between Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt, revealing that Jodi had moved in with them due to her own struggles with what she described as "demonic night terrors." Kevin recounted how he participated in attempts to rid Jodi of these supposed demons, stating, "I would place my hands on her head and command the demons to depart, stating every name of Jesus Christ that I could possibly think of." This bizarre ritual highlights the troubling beliefs that permeated their household.
As the Franke family navigates the aftermath of these events, the focus now shifts to the future. Kevin is determined to provide a stable environment for his children, who have endured unimaginable hardship. The divorce marks a crucial step towards healing for him and his family, allowing them to distance themselves from the trauma associated with Ruby's actions.
While Ruby's public persona has crumbled, the impact of her actions will resonate deeply within her family for years to come. As they move forward, the hope is that the children can find peace and stability, free from the shadows of their past.
