From Mommy Blogger to Duct Taped, Malnourished Children Escaping Her Home

Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt finally sentenced – but was it enough? After shocking the world with their horrific child abuse, Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt have been handed prison sentences of up to 60 years each.  But is this justice for their crimes? On this episode of Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski brings in retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer to dissect the sentencing and the lingering questions the case raises. “I was happy to see the 60-year exposure...both of these were sentenced to the same sentence. Do you think that was fair?” Brueski probes. Coffindaffer raises a crucial point:  as the children's mother, did Ruby deserve even harsher punishment than her co-conspirator, Jody?  The discussion explores the chilling dynamic between abuser and abused, questioning both women's roles in the horrific crimes. The hosts analyze the apologies made in court.  Was Ruby truly remorseful when she said, "I am committed to unlearning my toxic behavior"?  Can such monstrous behavior ever truly be unlearned, or are they both capable of repeating these horrors? "She’s capable of this and much more... I think he should be held responsible to a degree as well," Coffindaffer remarks regarding Kevin, Ruby's husband. Might he also be culpable? The episode delves into chilling details from the Eight Passengers videos and police interactions, highlighting the pattern of abuse that likely escalated behind closed doors. Were Ruby and Jody stopped only because they got caught?  Would they still be abusing these children if not for the intervention? Join this haunting discussion on Hidden Killers and grapple with the uncomfortable questions this disturbing case raises.   Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

27 Helmi 20247min

This episode of Hidden Killers dives into the sentencing of Mormon mommy bloggers Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt, who were convicted of child abuse. Host Tony Brueski is joined by former Felony Prosecutor and attorney Eric Faddis to dissect the details of the case and the sentencing process. Key points discussed: Sentencing: Both Frankie and Hildebrandt received 4 consecutive 15-year sentences, with the possibility of parole after serving 1 year per sentence. Faddis explains how the final sentence length will be determined by the prison system based on factors like behavior and good time credits. Plea Deal: The defendants opted for a plea deal to avoid a trial and potentially spare the victims further trauma. Faddis analyzes the strategic move and its potential benefits in terms of reduced sentencing. Accountability: While both received the same sentence, the discussion delves into whether Frankie, as the alleged ringleader, deserved harsher punishment. Rehabilitation: Faddis expresses optimism for rehabilitation but questions the depth of change possible after such extreme behavior. Protecting Children: The episode concludes with the hope that Frankie and Hildebrandt will be kept away from children for an extended period. Overall, this episode offers a nuanced look at the complexities of the case, the legal aspects of sentencing, and the ongoing challenges of child abuse.   Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

27 Helmi 20246min

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.   Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.  Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

25 Helmi 202418min

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.   Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.  Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

24 Helmi 202412min

Could a mother and her mentor, once trusted with the care and guidance of children, be responsible for their abuse? This troubling question has been answered in the case of Ruby Franke, a parenting YouTuber, and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt. Both women have been sentenced to four consecutive prison terms each, following guilty pleas to child abuse charges. The case came to light after one of Franke's children fled Hildebrandt's residence in August, seeking help from a neighbor. Franke, known for her "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, and Hildebrandt, who ran ConneXions Classroom, faced six counts of aggravated child abuse, with each count carrying a possible prison term of one to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. During sentencing, state prosecutor Eric Clarke likened the environment Franke's children endured to a "concentration camp-like setting," describing Franke's actions as "horrible acts of child abuse." Clarke also labeled Hildebrandt a "significant threat" to the community. In court, Franke acknowledged her guilt and expressed gratitude to the officials who rescued her children. She agreed to testify against Hildebrandt as part of her plea deal. Hildebrandt's plea agreement revealed her awareness and participation in the abuse. Disturbingly, it included forcing Franke's daughter to repeatedly jump into a cactus and detailed other heinous acts of torture. Franke's family, including her husband Kevin Franke, who has filed for divorce, has been left to grapple with the aftermath. Kevin's lawyer stated his focus on keeping the children together and under his care. In a recent court appearance, Ruby Franke apologized to her former husband, calling the end of their marriage a "tragedy." Statements from Franke's family, including her brother Beau Griffiths, suggest Hildebrandt's manipulative influence over Franke. Griffiths, himself a former participant in Hildebrandt's program, accused Hildebrandt of brainwashing his sister. The sentencing marks the end of a harrowing chapter for the Franke family and raises serious questions about the influence and responsibility of those in positions of trust. As Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt face the consequences of their actions, one wonders: How did such a trusted figure in parenting guidance fall so far from grace?   Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

20 Helmi 202418min

Could a mother and her mentor, once trusted with the care and guidance of children, be responsible for their abuse? This troubling question has been answered in the case of Ruby Franke, a parenting YouTuber, and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt. Both women have been sentenced to four consecutive prison terms each, following guilty pleas to child abuse charges. The case came to light after one of Franke's children fled Hildebrandt's residence in August, seeking help from a neighbor. Franke, known for her "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, and Hildebrandt, who ran ConneXions Classroom, faced six counts of aggravated child abuse, with each count carrying a possible prison term of one to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. During sentencing, state prosecutor Eric Clarke likened the environment Franke's children endured to a "concentration camp-like setting," describing Franke's actions as "horrible acts of child abuse." Clarke also labeled Hildebrandt a "significant threat" to the community. In court, Franke acknowledged her guilt and expressed gratitude to the officials who rescued her children. She agreed to testify against Hildebrandt as part of her plea deal. Hildebrandt's plea agreement revealed her awareness and participation in the abuse. Disturbingly, it included forcing Franke's daughter to repeatedly jump into a cactus and detailed other heinous acts of torture. Franke's family, including her husband Kevin Franke, who has filed for divorce, has been left to grapple with the aftermath. Kevin's lawyer stated his focus on keeping the children together and under his care. In a recent court appearance, Ruby Franke apologized to her former husband, calling the end of their marriage a "tragedy." Statements from Franke's family, including her brother Beau Griffiths, suggest Hildebrandt's manipulative influence over Franke. Griffiths, himself a former participant in Hildebrandt's program, accused Hildebrandt of brainwashing his sister. The sentencing marks the end of a harrowing chapter for the Franke family and raises serious questions about the influence and responsibility of those in positions of trust. As Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt face the consequences of their actions, one wonders: How did such a trusted figure in parenting guidance fall so far from grace?   Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

20 Helmi 202412min

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

7 Tammi 202412min

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

7 Tammi 20248min