She may be smiling but this girl became one of America’s most disturbing criminals

She looked like the ideal Christian mother — warm smile, big family, and a popular YouTube channel teaching “proper” parenting.

Her name is Ruby Franke.

For years, millions of people followed her channel “8 Passengers”, where she posted daily videos about raising her six children with strict rules and “tough love.” She was praised by many as a strong, no-nonsense Mormon mom.

But behind the camera, a nightmare was unfolding.

The Hidden Horror

Starting around 2020, Ruby and her “business partner” Jodi Hildebrandt began brutally abusing her younger children. The abuse became extreme in 2023 when two of her kids were living with Jodi.

The children suffered:

• Severe starvation and dehydration
• Forced to do hard labor for hours in the burning sun
• Tied up with duct tape and ropes
• Beaten with objects
• Told they were “possessed by demons” and needed to repent

On August 9, 2023, Ruby’s 12-year-old son escaped from Jodi’s house. He ran to a neighbor covered in open wounds and duct tape, begging for food and water. That neighbor immediately called the police.

When officers arrived, they found Ruby’s 9-year-old daughter in the same horrifying condition.

The Arrest & Sentencing

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested the same day.

In December 2023, Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.

On February 20, 2024, she was sentenced to four consecutive prison terms of 1 to 15 years — up to 60 years behind bars. Jodi Hildebrandt received the same sentence.

During her sentencing, Ruby finally broke down in tears and apologized, saying she had become “lost” and “disconnected from reality.”

Aftermath

Ruby’s husband Kevin filed for divorce. Her older children have been placed in protective care. The case shocked the entire internet — many parents who once admired her felt deeply betrayed.

What started as a wholesome family vlog channel ended as one of the most disturbing child abuse cases in recent American history.

A woman who once smiled for the camera while preaching about family values is now serving decades in prison for torturing her own children.