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5 Shocking Updates On The Ruby Franke Family: Where Are The '8 Passengers' Children Now?

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The dramatic fall of 'momfluencer' Ruby Franke from a YouTube star documenting her family life to a convicted child abuser sent shockwaves across the internet and the legal world. As of this current date, December 23, 2025, new and significant developments continue to emerge regarding the fate of the Franke family, her ex-husband, and the children who were at the center of the horrific abuse case. The once-public life of the '8 Passengers' family is now defined by prison sentences, legal battles, and the difficult journey toward healing for the six Franke children.

The story, which began with a seemingly perfect family vlogging channel, took a dark turn that exposed a pattern of severe child abuse, culminating in Franke's arrest and subsequent guilty plea. We delve into the latest updates, including the current status of the children, the legal ramifications for Franke and her business partner, and the new chapter beginning for the rest of the Franke family.

Ruby Franke: A Full Biography and the Rise and Fall of '8 Passengers'

Ruby Franke, born Ruby Dee Franke, gained widespread notoriety as the matriarch of the Franke family and the primary personality behind the immensely popular YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. The channel, which launched in 2015, documented the daily lives of Ruby, her husband Kevin Franke, and their six children, amassing over 2.5 million subscribers at its peak.

  • Full Name: Ruby Dee Franke
  • Born: January 18, 1982 (Age 43 as of 2025)
  • Hometown: Utah, USA
  • Husband/Ex-Husband: Kevin Franke (married 1999, separated/divorced following arrest)
  • Children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve Franke (Six children total)
  • YouTube Channel: 8 Passengers (Defunct)
  • Business Partner: Jodi Hildebrandt (ConneXions)
  • Crime: Aggravated Child Abuse (Pled Guilty to four counts)
  • Sentence: Four consecutive prison terms of 1 to 15 years, totaling a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison.

The 8 Passengers channel was often scrutinized for its strict and controversial parenting methods, which many viewers flagged as overly harsh or abusive, even before her arrest. The channel was eventually taken down as public backlash intensified.

Franke later collaborated with mental health counselor Jodi Hildebrandt on the ConneXions Classroom platform, which promoted controversial and often extreme views on parenting and relationships. It was at Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, that the abuse was discovered in August 2023, when Franke's severely malnourished 12-year-old son, Russell, escaped through a window and ran to a neighbor's house for food and water.

The Legal Aftermath: Sentences, Pleas, and Appeals

The legal proceedings against both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt concluded with both women pleading guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. The details of the abuse presented in court were harrowing, describing severe neglect, physical abuse, and emotional torture, including forced labor, starvation, and tying up the children.

Franke and Hildebrandt Receive Decades-Long Sentences

In a Utah court, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were each sentenced to four consecutive prison terms of 1 to 15 years. This means both women face a minimum of four years and a potential maximum of 30 years in state prison, depending on the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole's decision.

During her sentencing, Franke expressed remorse, stating that she was "led down a dark path" and believed that her actions were necessary to protect her children. Despite this, the judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting the abuse was inflicted on her own children.

In a recent development, Jodi Hildebrandt has reportedly attempted to reduce her time in prison, though the details of her "Hail Mary attempt" are still unfolding in the legal system.

Where Are Ruby Franke's Six Children Now?

The primary concern following the arrest and conviction has been the well-being of the six Franke children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.

Following the discovery of the abuse, the two youngest children were immediately hospitalized due to their condition, and all minor children were placed into the custody of Child Protective Services (CPS).

As of the most recent updates, the children are now in the care of their father, Kevin Franke, who has been working to rebuild his life and family unit. The two eldest children, Shari and Chad, are adults and have been instrumental in advocating for their younger siblings and speaking out about the trauma they endured.

  • Shari Franke's Memoir: Shari, the eldest daughter, has been the most vocal family member, publicly expressing her relief over her mother's conviction and her focus on the healing of her younger siblings. In a major update for 2025, Shari is reportedly preparing to release a new memoir detailing the abuse she and her siblings suffered, providing a first-hand account of life behind the camera of 8 Passengers.
  • The Younger Children: The minor children (Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve) are reportedly living with their father, Kevin, focusing on recovery and stability away from the public eye that once defined their lives.

Kevin Franke's New Chapter and the Family's Path to Healing

Kevin Franke, Ruby's ex-husband, filed for divorce shortly after her arrest and has been granted custody of the minor children. His life has undergone a complete transformation as he navigates single fatherhood while dealing with the fallout of the high-profile case.

In a significant and positive development for the Franke family, Kevin Franke recently remarried. The wedding was attended by his adult children, Shari and Chad, who publicly showed their support for their father's new life. This event marks a critical step toward stability and a new beginning for the family, signaling a commitment to moving forward from the dark period of Ruby's crimes.

The legal system is also responding to the case's impact on child influencers. Utah has since passed new legislation aimed at protecting the earnings and privacy of children featured in online content, a direct result of the high-profile nature of the 8 Passengers scandal. This new law is a landmark move to ensure that children of "momfluencers" and other content creators have greater protections against exploitation and abuse.

The Franke family’s journey is far from over, but the current updates show a clear path toward healing, led by the adult children and their father. The focus remains on providing a safe, private, and nurturing environment for the children to recover from the trauma inflicted by the very people who were meant to protect them.

ruby franke family
ruby franke family

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