YouTuber Ruby Franke's business partner Jodi Hildebrandt pleads guilty to child abuse charges

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SANTA CLARA, UTAH: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were once shining stars in the world of family vlogging on YouTube. Their channel 8 Passengers, launched in 2015, amassed over 2 million subscribers who tuned in to watch Franke, a mother of 6, and her business partner Hildebrandt portray an idyllic family life and dole out parental advice.

In August 2023, Franke's malnourished 12-year-old son escaped from their Utah home and begged neighbors for food and water. The boy was described by authorities as "emaciated and malnourished" with open wounds and "deep lacerations from being tied up with rope."

A subsequent investigation revealed Franke's young daughter was also severely malnourished, leading to all four of Franke's minor children being removed from her custody, as reported by BBC.

Jodi Hildebrandt pleads guilty to child abuse charges

On December 18, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse after disturbing details emerged of how she and Hildebrandt had starved, physically abused, and manipulated the children.

This week, Hildebrandt also pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse for her role in enabling the ongoing abuse. Her attorney said she "takes responsibility" to prevent further trauma by having the children testify.

The pleas painted a horrific picture of violence inside the family's home. According to court statements, Hildebrandt forced Franke's daughter to repeatedly jump into a cactus as punishment and run long distances with no water until she vomited. Both children were made to do manual labor outdoors with little food.

Franke also admitted the women told the children they were "possessed" and required painful punishments to exorcise imaginary demons. The emotional and physical torture ultimately left the children scarred and malnourished.

Both women now face up to 60 years behind bars.

Internet reacts to Jodi Hildebrandt's admission of guilt to child abuse charges

Following Hildebrandt's admission of guilt to child abuse charges, the internet erupted with a flurry of reactions, expressing vehement sentiments demanding justice. On social media platforms, a cascade of outrage reverberated.

"Jail," asserted one Facebook user in response to the news. Another user advocated for severe punishment, stating, "Lock 'em both up w full sentences. 60 years each."

Expressing dismay, a third user wrote, "Sick...throw the whole book at these two." Reflecting the severity of the situation, someone remarked, "A couple of evil whack jobs who need the same treatment and lots of prison time in general population."

Highlighting the need for accountability, a fifth user lamented, "It’s what they do. I thought they wanted to 'save the children?' I need mugshots and real prison time but that won’t happen."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.