The Latest Update On Russell And Eve Franke Now: Full Custody And Life After The Ruby Franke Scandal

The lives of Russell and Eve Franke, the two youngest children of the former "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, have undergone a profound and necessary transformation since the arrest and subsequent conviction of their mother, Ruby Franke, in late 2023. As of December 2025, the focus for the children is on privacy and recovery, moving them away from the public scrutiny that defined their early years on the now-defunct family vlog. The most significant and current update confirms that Russell and Eve, along with their two other minor siblings, are now under the full, legal custody of their father, Kevin Franke, marking a definitive end to their time in state protective services. This shift to their father’s care is the result of the finalized divorce proceedings between Ruby and Kevin Franke, which stipulated that Kevin would retain sole custody of the four minor children. The move signifies a crucial step toward stability and a private life, one that is intentionally shielded from the public eye after the severe child abuse case that shocked the online world. The children's current focus is on rebuilding their relationships and healing outside of the media spotlight, a stark contrast to their previous existence as child stars on a massive YouTube platform.

Russell and Eve Franke: Biographical Profiles

The two youngest members of the Franke family were central figures in the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, which documented their family life in Utah for nearly eight years. Their public identities were intrinsically tied to the content created by their mother, Ruby Franke.

Russell Franke

• Full Name: Russell Franke
• Date of Birth: July 9, 2011
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 14 years old
• Sibling Position: Fifth of six children
• Previous Public Role: Featured prominently on the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel.
• Current Status: Under the full legal custody of his father, Kevin Franke.

Eve Franke

• Full Name: Eve Franke
• Date of Birth: September 1, 2013
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 12 years old
• Sibling Position: Youngest of six children
• Previous Public Role: Known as the youngest star of the "8 Passengers" channel.
• Current Status: Under the full legal custody of her father, Kevin Franke.

The Custody Battle and Final Resolution

The most pressing question for the public regarding Russell and Eve Franke's current situation revolves around their safety and living arrangements. The legal process following Ruby Franke's arrest in August 2023 was complex, involving multiple legal entities and family members.

Initial Protective Custody

Immediately following the arrest of Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, the four youngest children—Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve—were placed into the care of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). This was a necessary and temporary measure to ensure their immediate safety after the horrific discovery of the abuse. The two youngest, Russell and Eve, were the most vulnerable minors involved in the case. This period of state protective custody was the first step in separating the children from the abusive environment.

Kevin Franke Gains Full Custody

The transition of the children out of DCFS care and into a permanent, stable home was finalized through the divorce settlement between Ruby and Kevin Franke. Kevin Franke, the children's father, filed for custody shortly after the arrest. The divorce was finalized, and the agreement, which was made public, awarded Kevin Franke full legal and physical custody of all four minor children. This resolution, which was granted by the 4th District Juvenile Court, is the definitive and current legal standing for Russell and Eve Franke. This development means that Russell and Eve are now living with their father, Kevin, and are no longer under the direct supervision of state social services. This outcome is generally seen as the best possible result for the children, allowing them to focus on healing and regaining a sense of normalcy within their immediate family.

The Broader Franke Family: Life After the Scandal

The current status of Russell and Eve cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the roles of their older siblings and the final legal context of their mother's conviction. The entire Franke family, including the adult children, has been working toward recovery and separation from the "8 Passengers" legacy.

Ruby Franke’s Sentencing and Incarceration

The legal proceedings against Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt concluded with their sentencing on February 20, 2024. Both were sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison for aggravated child abuse. The judge stipulated that the sentences would run consecutively, meaning Ruby Franke faces a potential sentence of up to 60 years, though Utah law caps the total time served for consecutive indeterminate sentences at 30 years. This severe conviction ensures that Russell and Eve are protected from their mother's influence for the foreseeable future, allowing their father to move forward with the custody and healing process.

The Role of Older Siblings

The older Franke children have played a crucial and vocal role in supporting their younger siblings. Shari Franke, the oldest daughter, was instrumental in publicly advocating for the children and confirming the severity of the situation. Her social media updates, while careful not to reveal private details, have consistently signaled a commitment to the younger children's well-being and a complete break from the "8 Passengers" content creation model. The collective support from the adult siblings—Shari and Chad Franke—is a vital element in the rebuilding of the family structure for Russell and Eve.

A New Chapter of Privacy and Healing

The current life of Russell and Eve Franke is defined by a deliberate and necessary return to privacy. Their father, Kevin Franke, has made efforts to rebuild and bridge his relationships with the children, focusing on their emotional and psychological recovery rather than public commentary. Key aspects of their current life include:

• No Public Presence: All former social media channels, including "8 Passengers," have been shut down. There are no new public updates, photos, or videos of Russell and Eve, which is a significant protective measure.
• Focus on Therapy and Recovery: Given the trauma they endured, the children are likely receiving extensive psychological support and therapy to process the abuse they suffered while living with their mother and Jodi Hildebrandt.
• Stable Home Environment: The full custody award to Kevin Franke provides a stable, consistent, and private home environment, which is paramount for their long-term recovery and development.

In summary, the "now" for Russell and Eve Franke is not a life of vlogging or public exposure, but one of quiet, intentional healing under the full custody and care of their father, Kevin Franke, away from the digital spotlight that once defined their family.