Inside The House Of Ruby Franke As Her Daughter Shares The Horror Story
Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt8 Jan

Inside The House Of Ruby Franke As Her Daughter Shares The Horror Story

Shari Franke’s memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, begins with a striking and unforgettable image: the moment police forced open the front door of her family’s home with a battering ram. Shari, the eldest daughter of the once-popular family vloggers behind the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, captured the moment on her phone and shared it on Instagram, writing, “This moment, this climax of my family’s descent into madness, needed to be documented, preserved, and shared on social media.” It was an act of reclamation—an attempt to wrest back control of her narrative from a life shaped by forced smiles and staged perfection. Today, with the release of her memoir through Gallery Books, Shari pulls back the curtain on the tabloid nightmare her family became.
Ruby Franke, Shari’s mother and the matriarch of the 8 Passengers channel, was arrested in 2023 along with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The two women were charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse after Shari’s younger brother escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and begged a neighbor for help. The boy, visibly malnourished and injured, revealed a harrowing story of being tied up with ropes and deprived of food. Inside Hildebrandt’s home, police discovered Shari’s younger sister in a similarly emaciated and injured state. The public’s collective gasp over these revelations was only the beginning. In The House of My Mother, Shari details how the Franke family’s carefully curated image of wholesomeness and faith unraveled behind the scenes, exposing the dark underbelly of a household where control, manipulation, and emotional abuse reigned.

Before the arrests, the Frankes had amassed nearly 2.5 million subscribers on YouTube, drawn to their idyllic portrayal of life as a large Mormon family. But Shari’s memoir reveals a far different reality. The transformation, she writes, began when Hildebrandt, a counselor with controversial methods, entered their lives. Hildebrandt’s influence over Ruby grew rapidly, shifting the family dynamics in alarming ways. “She was our family’s very own cult leader,” Shari writes. “She turned my mother into a fawning, starstruck acolyte who lapped up her every demented word like it was holy water.” Kevin Franke, Ruby’s husband and Shari’s father, was gradually pushed out of the household. According to Shari, Hildebrandt became the puppet master, dictating the family’s every move under the guise of therapy and spiritual guidance.

In a particularly disturbing episode, Hildebrandt took over Shari’s bedroom, filling it with candles and massage oils. Shari’s suspicions about a deeper relationship between her mother and Hildebrandt were confirmed one night when she saw Ruby sneaking out of her former room. “It was equal parts fascinating and horrific,” Shari recalls. “Two women who publicly condemned queerness in their ConneXions Classroom videos, while embodying it privately.” Hildebrandt’s teachings, presented as strict moral guidelines, included extreme punishments and bizarre rituals. Shari writes that these teachings justified the alienation of Kevin, who was sent away to “work on his shortcomings” while the children’s welfare deteriorated.

The memoir’s most heart-wrenching moments recount Shari’s growing concern for her siblings. Isolated from her family while attending Brigham Young University, Shari made repeated calls to the Department of Child and Family Services, desperate to have someone intervene. But it wasn’t until her brother’s dramatic escape that authorities finally acted. Ruby and Hildebrandt’s subsequent arrest and guilty pleas to four counts of aggravated child abuse brought an end to their reign of terror. Each woman was sentenced to four to thirty years in prison—a grim chapter in a story that continues to haunt the public consciousness.

Shari, now 21, has emerged as an advocate against the exploitation of children in family vlogging. Her experiences growing up in front of a camera have shaped her into a vocal critic of the practice, which she believes inherently violates children’s privacy and well-being. In her memoir and public statements, Shari argues there is no ethical way to monetize a child’s life online. “Making money off your kids with no oversight as to how much the kids are getting paid—there’s no way to do that well,” she asserts. Shari has taken her advocacy to the legislative level, supporting bills that protect underage influencers by guaranteeing them a share of their earnings. “It should be 100 percent,” she insists, though she adds that even financial compensation cannot undo the psychological damage inflicted by growing up with one’s life broadcast to millions.

The memoir also sheds light on Shari’s personal struggles, from suicidal ideation to a damaging relationship with a married church elder. She writes candidly about feeling unloved as a child and grappling with the immense pressure to perform for the camera. Her journals and old family vlogs, which she reviewed while writing the book, offer a painful juxtaposition: moments of apparent happiness on screen contrasted with behind-the-scenes misery. “It felt like it wasn’t my life,” Shari reflects. “The vlogs show smiling faces, but all I remember is the yelling between takes.”

Shari’s relationship with her father has begun to heal in the wake of the arrests. Kevin Franke, who describes his “invitation to leave” the family as “a hellish and abusive experience,” has acknowledged his role in the family’s exploitation. Shari appreciates his willingness to take responsibility, even as she remains critical of his past inaction. Her relationship with Ruby, however, is irreparable. In a letter sent from prison, Ruby reminisced about Shari’s childhood but failed to address the abuse. Shari’s response was resolute: “I don’t feel an emotional tie to her anymore.”

With the release of The House of My Mother, Shari hopes to close a painful chapter of her life while advocating for change. She’s on track to graduate from BYU with a degree in political science and plans to work in data analytics—far from the spotlight she once lived under. Her engagement, announced on Instagram, marks a new beginning. Yet, Shari’s mission to protect children from the harms of family vlogging continues. “I hope that by sharing my story, other child influencers will see that their voices matter,” she writes. “And that it’s worth whatever bridges they might burn.”

Shari’s memoir serves as both a personal catharsis and a rallying cry against a billion-dollar industry that thrives on the commodification of childhood. The question remains: will her story be the wake-up call needed to spark meaningful change, or will the cycle of exploitation continue? The public, it seems, is just beginning to reckon with the consequences of a life lived online.
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How LDS End Of World Paranoia Led Ruby Franke To Abuse Her Own Children -WEEK IN REVIEW

How LDS End Of World Paranoia Led Ruby Franke To Abuse Her Own Children -WEEK IN REVIEW

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

2 Mars 20246min

Is Someone Like Ruby Franke Capable Of Being Rehabilitated After The Horrific Abuse Of Her Children?

Is Someone Like Ruby Franke Capable Of Being Rehabilitated After The Horrific Abuse Of Her Children?

On the chilling podcast Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski and Bob Motta delve into the disturbing case of Ruby Frankie, a mother sentenced to prison for shocking acts of abuse against her children.  In this episode, they explore the question of whether convicted cult leader and self-help guru Jodi Hildebrandt may have played a role in the horrific abuse Ruby inflicted. “I mean, how do you unlearn something like that? Once you go so far down the road, why now are you seeing the errors in your ways?”  – Tony Brueski Defense attorney Bob Motta weighs in,  offering his legal perspective on the case: *“I don’t think prison rehabilitates, but people can be rehabilitated in prison.  They have resources, but they don’t force you to take them...” * The hosts debate whether Ruby was truly a victim of manipulation or whether she holds ultimate responsibility for the crimes she committed. Brueski and Motta consider the psychological damage inflicted by those like Jodi Hildebrandt, drawing on the real-life experiences of individuals who escaped her control. *“Do I think that Ruby will come out in 20 or 30 years, whenever she’s going to get out, and become an abusive monster again? No…I think she’s feeling the full weight of it right now.” * – Bob Motta In a case filled with darkness, Hidden Killers seeks to understand how the path to abuse is forged. Was Ruby always capable of this, or is there more to the story? Did desperation make her susceptible to influence by an evil outsider? Does a chance of redemption exist in the aftermath of such horrific crimes?   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

29 Feb 20247min

How Dangerous Are LDS Doomsday Beliefs To Children & Society, Like That Of Ruby Franke?

How Dangerous Are LDS Doomsday Beliefs To Children & Society, Like That Of Ruby Franke?

Why does the LDS Church seem like fertile ground for extremist groups preaching distorted beliefs, leading to horrific outcomes like child abuse? On this episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski and former defense attorney Lori Hellis delve into the alarming pattern of "doomsday" groups emerging from within the LDS Church. Lori emphasizes the cultural insularity that contributes to the vulnerability of some members when confronted with charismatic leaders and distorted interpretations of doctrine. They discuss how seemingly normal, everyday people can be susceptible: "If the mainstream doctrine is 12 o'clock, the doctrines that the doomsday folks are embracing are really about 12:01." Lori's insights from her work on the Lori Vallow case further illuminate the chilling mindset of parents who justify abuse as preparing their children for the apocalypse. The conversation also touches on the potential for a major schism within the LDS Church, as a conservative faction seeks to return to a more fundamentalist version of Joseph Smith's teachings. Closing Question: How can we understand the risks within close-knit religious communities, and prevent future tragedies fueled by extremist ideology?   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

28 Feb 20248min

What Does The Future Hold For Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt?

What Does The Future Hold For Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt?

Is a convincing apology enough to earn early release? Could convicted child abusers Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt manipulate their way out of prison? On this episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott dissect the sentencing of Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt. Sentenced to four to sixty years for their horrific abuse, their ultimate fate rests in the hands of the parole board. Shavaun analyzes Ruby Frankie's courtroom statement, calling it a "coached response" aimed at manipulating the system. Tony questions if parole boards are easily swayed by such performances, or if genuine remorse can be faked. The discussion then turns to Jody Hildebrandt's claim that she "sincerely loved these children," a statement Shavaun links to the narcissistic tendencies often found in cult leaders. With the possibility of release looming, the podcast delves into the chilling question of whether these women pose a continued threat to the public. Could they resurface under new identities, preying on the vulnerable once again? Closing Question:  How do we protect ourselves and our communities from those who mask their monstrous behavior behind a facade of love and concern?   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

28 Feb 20247min

Ret FBI Robin Dreeke On The Sentencing Of Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt

Ret FBI Robin Dreeke On The Sentencing Of Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt

Were they both guilty, or was one truly the mastermind? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke joins host Tony Brueski to weigh in on the shocking case of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. After a Utah judge ruled both women receive 15-year consecutive sentences for their horrific abuse of children, complex questions linger. Was Franke vulnerable, easily manipulated, and truly capable of rehabilitation?   Dreeke unpacks the possibility of religious extremism contributing to Frankie's crimes.  How did this family become so broken, and was this harsh punishment justified? Hildebrandt, the charismatic counselor, faces the same sentence. Did she truly care about the children she abused, or were her claims of love all part of her act? Dreeke analyzes Hildebrandt's courtroom conduct and whether her lack of remorse signals a dangerous sociopath. This fascinating case raises serious questions about accountability, manipulation, and potential for change. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion.   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

28 Feb 202413min

Son of Jailed YouTuber Ruby Franke Celebrates Her Imprisonment for Child Abuse

Son of Jailed YouTuber Ruby Franke Celebrates Her Imprisonment for Child Abuse

In a chilling revelation of the fractured dynamics within the Franke family, Chad Franke, the eldest son of disgraced YouTube personality Ruby Franke, expressed his delight at her imprisonment for child abuse. The 19-year-old's unbridled joy was captured in a now-deleted TikTok video, shared by his girlfriend, just days before Ruby and her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were sentenced for the harrowing torture endured by Ruby's six children. The sentencing, meted out by a judge, mandated the terms of their plea agreement – four counts of one to 15 years, served consecutively, leading to a maximum sentence of 30 years due to Utah law. Despite the severity of her sentence, Ruby, aged 42, has chosen not to appeal her imprisonment, signaling a somber acceptance of her fate. Chad's apparent elation was palpable as he exited the courthouse following his estranged mother's sentencing. Ruby, in a poignant moment during the hearing, emotionally addressed her children, apologizing for the anguish she caused them. "I will never stop crying for hurting your tender souls. You’re so precious to me. I’m sorry," she expressed tearfully, acknowledging the deep pain inflicted upon her offspring. Prior to her arrest in August 2023, Ruby had been estranged from Chad and her eldest daughter, Shari, as a result of the abuse they endured. Concerns about the Franke children first arose after unsettling content surfaced in the family's YouTube videos, prompting a visit from Child Protective Services. Despite the visit, authorities closed the case, much to the dismay of concerned onlookers. Shari, Ruby's 20-year-old daughter, expressed relief at her mother's incarceration, underscoring the family's long-standing struggle for justice. Ruby's four minor children remain under state care, while her estranged husband seeks guardianship over their 16-year-old daughter, Abby. In a startling admission, Ruby, who had vehemently denied allegations of abuse, confessed to torturing her children in her plea agreement. Details of the plea painted a grim picture of the abuse endured by her offspring, including suffocation, physical restraints, and other forms of torment. As the Franke family grapples with the aftermath of Ruby's conviction and imprisonment, the harrowing saga sheds light on the enduring trauma inflicted by domestic abuse and the quest for justice in its wake. Amidst the somber proceedings, Chad's celebratory response serves as a stark reminder of the profound wounds left by familial betrayal and the long road to healing ahead. 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

28 Feb 20245min

Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt Sentenced, Should Kevin Franke Also Be Charged?

Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt Sentenced, Should Kevin Franke Also Be Charged?

In this riveting episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski is joined by the insightful Bob Motta, a defense attorney and the host of "Defense Diaries," to dissect the complex and emotionally charged case of Ruby Frankie and Jodi Hildebrandt. Charged with the abuse of Frankie's children, both women have been sentenced to one to 15 years in prison for their heinous acts, with four consecutive sentences each. This episode promises to unravel the layers of this tragic story, providing a nuanced understanding of the legal and emotional aspects of the case. Motta, with his legal expertise, offers a critical perspective on the sentencing, discussing the broad range of potential years the accused could serve and the role of parole boards in determining the final sentence length. He questions the sincerity of the apologies issued by Frankie and Hildebrandt, emphasizing the lack of humanity and remorse shown during the abuse. Motta and Brueski delve into the severity of the sentence, arguing that such a harsh penalty is fitting for the grave nature of the abuse committed. The episode also explores the wider implications of the case, considering the psychological and physical damage inflicted on the children and the lasting impact of such trauma. They discuss the possibility of rehabilitation for the accused and the legal system's role in ensuring justice is served while addressing the needs of the victims. Additionally, the podcast touches on the intriguing aspect of Kevin Franke, Ruby's husband, and his potential accountability in the case. Motta weighs in on the complexities surrounding Franke's involvement, or lack thereof, in the abuse, and whether his actions, or inactions, could be deemed complicit. Listeners can expect a deep and thoughtful exploration of this harrowing case, guided by Brueski's probing questions and Motta's legal acumen. This episode of "Hidden Killers" is a must-listen for those interested in criminal law, child welfare, and the intricacies of high-profile abuse cases.   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

28 Feb 20246min

How LDS, End Of World Paranoia, Led Ruby Franke To Abuse Her Own Children

How LDS, End Of World Paranoia, Led Ruby Franke To Abuse Her Own Children

Is Ruby Frankie a calculating monster, or a victim of the same distorted beliefs that fueled her crimes? On this episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski and former defense attorney Lori Hellis analyze the sentencing of "Mormon mommy blogger" Ruby Frankie. She and her accomplice, Jody Hildebrandt, face a wide range of possible prison time (four to 60 years) with the decision ultimately resting with the parole board. Lori shares her prediction, noting that Hildebrandt, as a former therapist, likely bears greater responsibility in the eyes of the public.  They debate whether Ruby, as the mother, is in some ways more culpable for the horrific abuse of her own children than the outside influence of Hildebrandt. Lori's recent work on the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case offers chilling context. She highlights how Ruby's paranoia about hospitals and law enforcement aligns with deeply held beliefs among certain fringe groups within the LDS Church. Closing Question:  To what extent should Ruby Frankie's susceptibility to "doomsday prophecy" beliefs mitigate the severity of her crimes?   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 Feb 20246min

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