Last week, Utah officials released various pictures and videos related to the case against “8 Passengers” YouTuber Ruby Franke — who was sentenced last month to at least four years in prison for abusing her children.
In addition to pictures showing Franke’s children bound with duct tape, Washington County prosecutors released a photo showing a full pantry in Jodi Hildebrandt’s home, the Daily Mail reported. Hildebrandt was Franke’s business partner who was housing Franke’s two children when the abuse occurred.
READ: Images of Ruby Franke’s Abused Children, Bodycam of Moment Cops Find Starving Child in Closet
In February, Franke and Hildebrandt received four consecutive prison sentences of one to 15 years for child abuse. Hildebrandt directly cared for the children, but police determined Franke was aware of the abuse as she filmed a YouTube video in Hildebrandt’s basement two days before the August 30, 2023, incident which entailed Franke’s 12-year-old son fleeing to a neighbor’s home.
That neighbor called 911, leading police to Hildebrandt’s home where they located a 10-year-old child who was also malnourished.
In addition to forcing her son’s head underwater, Franke admitted to hogtying him with handcuffs that were tied together as he lay on his stomach. The cuffs Franke used on her son damaged his muscles and tissue when they cut through his ankles and wrists.
Like Franke, Hildebrandt said they tried to convince Franke’s son that he was evil and that the abuse was an “act of love.” At sentencing, Franke blamed her actions on paranoia and claimed she believed the world was evil.
Franke also withheld food and water from her children and forced them to complete grueling physical tasks as punishment. One of those instances involved having her daughter work outside barefoot during the summer. Meanwhile, Hildebrandt said she forced the girl to jump into a cactus.
Recently released bodycam footage showed police entering Hildebrandt’s home and finding Franke’s daughter hiding in a closet. The officer assures the child that he is not going to hurt her before cops bring her pizza and a drink. The girl eventually opens the pizza box and takes a bite.
The girl was also filmed telling EMS she was “nervous” to talk. Police claimed it took four hours to convince her to agree to go to the hospital for treatment.
Franke had agreed to testify against Hildebrandt at trial. However, Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to the charges against her in late December.
“I am humbled and willing to serve a prison sentence for as long as I need,” Franke said at last month’s sentencing. “I am committed to unlearning my toxic behavior.”
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[Featured image: Washington County prosecutor]
