Former YouTuber Ruby Franke Arrested on Child Abuse Charges: Neighbors Attempted to Aid Children
Ruby Franke, a former YouTuber who once documented her family life on the now-defunct 8 Passengers channel, has been apprehended this week under accusations of child abuse. The incident unfolded in Utah, where Franke was taken into custody after her 12-year-old son escaped through a window and sought help from a neighboring household for sustenance and water. Startling details emerged when the boy’s ankles and wrists were found bound with duct tape, prompting immediate police intervention.
Community Concerns and Unveiled Behavior
Residents living near Franke have revealed that they had previously raised concerns with child services regarding her actions. According to two neighbors who spoke to NBC News, the community had worried about the situation in the household. One neighbor remarked, “We all breathed a sigh of relief because we thought the worst might happen. It was a collective concern.” Allegations were made that Franke used food deprivation as punishment for her children, a disturbing practice also hinted at in her YouTube content.
The situation further escalated when Franke would reportedly leave her children unattended for extended periods of time after her husband’s departure from the home. “She even took away Christmas one year,” one neighbor recounted, expressing disbelief at her actions. The neighbor added that Franke would employ phrases such as “They’re not repenting correctly,” using a Mormon term to describe their actions as sinful. Such behavior was described as bewildering and irrational.
Legal Consequences and Child Welfare
In response to the shocking revelations, a judge decided against granting bail to Franke. A detective cited the serious injuries sustained by her children as a factor, and authorities confirmed that four of Franke’s children were placed in the custody of the Department of Child and Family Services. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with two children yet to be interviewed by officers.
The Journey of Ruby Franke
Franke, along with her husband, initiated their family-oriented YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, in 2015. The channel amassed nearly 2.3 million subscribers as it provided a glimpse into their lives as parents raising six children. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the couple shared their unique parenting style, the upbringing of their children, and their approach to discipline. Additionally, the family documented their children’s homeschooling experiences.
Despite their popularity, the Frankes encountered criticism in recent years due to their content. The family’s journey took an unforeseen turn with Ruby Franke’s arrest, prompting her sisters to express relief that the children are now safe. In a video that has since been removed, one of Franke’s sisters, Bonnie Hoellein, noted that the family had done their best to support and protect the children within legal bounds. Amid the shock of the situation, they find solace in the hope that the children and their family will ultimately be alright.