Ruby Franke case: Son breaks silence on abuse and family trauma

Ruby Franke’s shocking child abuse case came to light on August 30, 2023, when Utah police received a distressing call. A severely malnourished boy had escaped from a house and sought help from a neighbor. The child, later identified as Ruby’s 12-year-old son, had open wounds and duct tape around his extremities. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Police traced the boy’s whereabouts to the home of Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby’s business partner. During a search, officers found another child suffering from similar neglect, who was also hospitalized. Later, they discovered Ruby’s 9-year-old daughter alone in a closet, visibly frightened and withdrawn.

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Arrested

Following the shocking discovery, police arrested Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt on charges of aggravated child abuse. Hildebrandt was known for running ConneXions, a life coaching service that some former clients described as cult-like. Investigators believed that both women were responsible for the severe mistreatment of the children.

Family members speak out

The day after Ruby’s arrest, her estranged daughter, Shari Franke, spoke out. In an Instagram post, she expressed relief that authorities had finally taken action. She revealed that the family had been trying for years to alert police and child protective services about the abuse. Ruby’s sisters also released a joint statement, stating that the arrest “needed to happen.” They had kept quiet for years to protect the children but had been working behind the scenes to ensure their safety.

Criminal charges against Ruby Franke and legal proceedings

On September 6, 2023, the Washington County Attorney’s Office formally charged Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt with six counts of felony child abuse. As the legal process unfolded, Ruby’s husband, Kevin Franke, denied any involvement. His lawyer emphasized that Kevin had been living apart from Ruby for over a year before her arrest.

Two months later, on November 29, Kevin officially filed for divorce. The legal separation confirmed that he was distancing himself from his wife and the crimes she was accused of committing.

On December 18, 2023, Ruby and Jodi pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. In court, Ruby expressed deep regret and sorrow for what she had done to her children. She admitted that she had followed harmful advice and isolated herself from anyone who challenged her beliefs.

By February 20, 2024, both women received their sentences. The court ordered them to serve four consecutive prison terms, with a maximum sentence of 30 years. During the hearing, Ruby apologized to her children. She admitted that she had lost touch with reality and made choices that stripped them of safety and comfort.

Ruby Franke’s son Chad responds to public scrutiny

In the wake of Ruby’s conviction, her 20-year-old son, Chad Franke, addressed public speculation. Some people accused him and his father of still being “brainwashed” by Ruby. On March 3, 2024, Chad took to Instagram to shut down those claims. In his post, he sarcastically responded to critics and defended his right to love his mother despite her crimes.

Chad also referenced Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence over his mother. He suggested that Jodi had manipulated Ruby into making destructive choices. He later reiterated this point on Snapchat, emphasizing how skilled Jodi was at controlling people.

Documentary sheds light on the case

As public interest in the case grew, a new documentary titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke premiered on February 27, 2024. The series featured interviews with Chad, Kevin, and Ruby’s eldest daughter, Shari. In the documentary, Kevin admitted that despite everything, he still had a deep emotional connection to Ruby. He acknowledged that her actions were horrific but struggled with the expectation that he should completely hate her.

Shari, on the other hand, shared disturbing insights into their childhood. She described how Ruby treated her children as “employees” while acting like the “CEO” of the household. She compared their home to a movie set rather than a real family environment.

New Evidence Revealed

On March 25, 2024, prosecutors released additional evidence, including excerpts from Ruby’s personal journal. Her writings revealed disturbing thoughts about her children. She described her 12-year-old son in dehumanizing terms, calling him “Satanic” and “sneaky.” She also wrote about using extreme punishments, such as withholding food and water.

Authorities also released audio recordings of Kevin Franke’s interview with investigators. In the recordings, Kevin detailed the strict rules Ruby had imposed on him before their separation. He explained that he needed her permission to enter the kitchen or even return home. He also claimed that the upstairs area of their house had been completely off-limits to him, as Jodi controlled that space.

A Case That Shook the Internet

The downfall of Ruby Franke, once a well-known parenting influencer, has left many in shock. Her case has sparked widespread conversations about online family influencers and the dangers of extreme parenting ideologies. With both Ruby and Jodi now serving time in prison, the Franke children are beginning their long journey of healing.

As Chad Franke and his siblings continue to navigate life after trauma, their statements and actions will likely remain in the public eye. The story of Ruby Franke serves as a grim reminder that sometimes, the people who claim to know best can do the most harm.