The Chilling Truth: What Happened To The Franke Kids And Where Are They Now After The Sentencing?

The tragic and highly publicized case of former 'Momfluencer' Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt reached a definitive legal conclusion in early 2024, but the most pressing question for millions of former '8 Passengers' viewers remains: What happened to the Franke kids, and where are they now? As of December 11, 2025, the children are beginning a new chapter in their lives following their mother's incarceration, with their father, Kevin Franke, now navigating a complex path toward healing and privacy.

The shocking details of the child abuse charges—which included starvation, physical abuse, and emotional torture—have permanently shattered the image of the seemingly perfect YouTube family. The Franke children are now under the care of family and the state, attempting to recover from the trauma inflicted by the very people who were supposed to protect them. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the fate of the Franke children and the legal fallout from the case.

The Franke Family: A Profile and Timeline of Tragedy

The Franke family gained notoriety through their YouTube channel, '8 Passengers,' which documented the lives of Ruby, Kevin, and their six children. The channel, which began in 2015, amassed over 2.5 million subscribers before its eventual deletion.

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Biography of the Franke Family

• Ruby Franke: The matriarch and former star of '8 Passengers.' Born: January 18, 1982. Role: Co-creator of the YouTube channel and founder of the controversial 'ConneXions' life-coaching service with Jodi Hildebrandt. Status: Currently serving a prison sentence for aggravated child abuse.
• Kevin Franke: Ruby's former husband and co-star of '8 Passengers.' Role: A computer engineering professor who was largely absent from the later YouTube content. Status: Finalized divorce from Ruby Franke and is working to regain custody and care for his children.
• Shari Franke: The eldest daughter. Status: Now an adult, she has been vocal about the children's well-being and her estrangement from her mother.
• Chad Franke: The second eldest child.
• Abby Franke: The third child.
• Julie Franke: The fourth child.
• Russell Franke: The fifth child, one of the two main victims in the abuse case.
• Eve Franke: The youngest child, also one of the two main victims in the abuse case.
• Jodi Hildebrandt: Ruby Franke's business partner and life coach, co-founder of ConneXions. Status: Currently serving a prison sentence alongside Ruby Franke for aggravated child abuse.

Key Events in the Franke Child Abuse Case

• 2015: The '8 Passengers' YouTube channel is launched, quickly gaining popularity for its family vlogging content.
• 2020-2022: Viewers increasingly express concern over Franke’s parenting methods, which include public shaming, withholding food, and extreme punishments, often documented on the channel.
• June 2022: The '8 Passengers' channel is deleted, with Ruby Franke focusing on her 'ConneXions' venture with Jodi Hildebrandt.
• August 30, 2023: The pivotal event occurs when a severely emaciated 12-year-old Russell Franke escapes from Jodi Hildebrandt’s Ivins, Utah, home and runs to a neighbor for help, asking for food and water. The child had open wounds and was bound with rope.
• August 30, 2023 (Cont.): Police respond to the scene and find 10-year-old Eve Franke in a similar malnourished condition at Hildebrandt's home. Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are arrested on suspicion of child abuse.
• September 2023: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are formally charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse.
• December 2023: Both women plead guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.
• February 20, 2024: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are formally sentenced.
• Early 2024: Kevin and Ruby Franke finalize their divorce.

The Shocking Details of the Aggravated Child Abuse

The severity of the abuse inflicted upon the two youngest children, Russell and Eve, was a primary focus during the legal proceedings. Court documents revealed a pattern of horrific behavior that went far beyond neglect and into the realm of torture. The shocking details that emerged provided a stark contrast to the family’s polished online persona. This systematic abuse included withholding food and water for extended periods, forcing the children to do strenuous physical labor in the summer heat without adequate hydration, and using ropes to tie and restrain them.

The children were convinced that the abuse was necessary for their spiritual growth, a concept central to the teachings of the 'ConneXions' program. This psychological manipulation, coupled with the physical torment, led to severe emotional and physical damage. The escape of the 12-year-old boy, who was so desperate he had to climb out of a window and run to a neighbor, was the direct catalyst that finally exposed the years of hidden abuse and brought justice for the children.

Where Are the Franke Children Now? A Custody and Recovery Update

Following the arrests, all six Franke children were immediately taken into the custody of Child Protective Services (CPS). The focus then shifted to placing them in a safe and stable environment where they could begin the difficult process of physical and psychological recovery. The latest updates confirm that the children are out of the immediate danger and are slowly finding stability.

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The Status of the Franke Children

• Custody: The children were initially placed in foster care, but the goal was to reunite them with their father, Kevin Franke, who was separated from Ruby at the time of the arrest. Following the finalization of the divorce, Kevin Franke has been actively working with the courts to secure permanent custody of the minor children.
• Condition: Kevin Franke has provided a limited public update, stating that the children are "doing better" and are on a path toward healing. However, the long-term emotional and psychological impact of the trauma will require extensive therapy and support.
• The Eldest Children: Shari Franke, the eldest daughter, who is an adult, has been a vocal advocate for her younger siblings. She publicly celebrated the arrests and has since shared small updates, emphasizing the children's need for privacy and recovery. Her actions have been a crucial source of support for the younger Franke kids.
• Privacy and Future: The family's life is now marked by a stark shift from public spectacle to intense privacy. The children's whereabouts are kept confidential to protect their well-being and allow them to heal away from the scrutiny of the media and former YouTube audience.

The Sentencing of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt

On February 20, 2024, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison for four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will ultimately determine the actual time served, but the consecutive nature of the sentences means they could each spend up to 30 years behind bars.

During the sentencing, both women expressed remorse, with Ruby Franke tearfully apologizing to her children and stating she was "misguided." The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting the profound breach of trust and the lasting damage inflicted on the children. This legal outcome provides a measure of justice and ensures the children's immediate safety from their abusers, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives with their father and other family support systems.

The case of the Franke kids serves as a chilling reminder of the dark side of 'momfluencer' culture and the potential dangers that can lurk behind a carefully curated online image. The children's journey to recovery is a long one, but the current updates provide hope that they are finally in a safe environment, surrounded by genuine care and support, away from the toxic influence of the past.

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