• Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt

  • By: True Crime Today
  • Podcast

Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt

By: True Crime Today
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Dive into the shadowed intersection of faith and deception with "Malevolent Mormon Mommys." This riveting podcast unravels the startling allegations against Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, once celebrated figures in mommy blogging and the Mormon community. Beyond their picture-perfect online personas lay dark secrets waiting to be exposed. Through in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews with investigators, police, and psychologists, we confront the unsettling truths hidden behind their devout façades. Explore the intricacies of the digital age, the complexities of religious influence, and the psychology of deception. In a world where faith meets facade, "Malevolent Mormon Mommys" challenges perceptions and unveils a tale of betrayal, prompting the ultimate question: How well do we truly know the faces we trust? Subscribe and uncover a story that redefines the lines between belief and betrayal.
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Episodes
  • From YouTube Mom to Felon-What Led to Ruby and Kevin Franke’s Divorce

    From YouTube Mom to Felon-What Led to Ruby and Kevin Franke’s Divorce
    Mar 27 2025
    From YouTube Mom to Felon-What Led to Ruby and Kevin Franke’s Divorce

    Ruby Franke, once known as the strict but smiling matriarch of the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, is now serving a prison sentence for aggravated child abuse. In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the court documents, police bodycam footage, and the real-life consequences of a parenting philosophy that spiraled into criminal behavior. We walk through the collapse of Ruby and Kevin Franke’s marriage, the finalization of their divorce in March 2025, and the disturbing details of the abuse that unfolded behind closed doors — far from the picture-perfect family they shared online.

    Through verified sources and firsthand records, we unpack how Kevin Franke, Ruby’s husband of 23 years, was systematically pushed out of the home under the direction of controversial therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. We explore how Ruby and Jodi’s ConneXions parenting model took over the household, leading to extreme punishments, child isolation, and eventually, a criminal case that shocked the nation. Kevin’s role, his regrets, and his emotional police interview shed light on how one of the internet’s most-watched families became one of its most tragic stories.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone searching for the latest updates on the Ruby Franke case, the truth behind the 8 Passengers channel, and how online fame, faith, and power can twist into something truly dangerous. Whether you're here for the facts or the fallout, we give you a clear, factual, and human account of one of the most disturbing family influencer scandals in recent memory.

    #RubyFranke #8Passengers #TrueCrimePodcast

    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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    30 mins
  • 8 Passengers Fallout: Divorce Finalized as Ruby Franke Serves Prison Time

    8 Passengers Fallout: Divorce Finalized as Ruby Franke Serves Prison Time
    Mar 27 2025
    8 Passengers Fallout: Divorce Finalized as Ruby Franke Serves Prison Time The story of Ruby Franke officially closed a major chapter this week as a Utah judge signed off on her divorce from Kevin Franke—marking the legal end to a marriage that once played out in front of millions on YouTube, before unraveling in one of the most disturbing child abuse cases the state has seen in years. It’s now on paper: the marriage that began in 2000, spanned six children, and was broadcast through a curated lens on the “8 Passengers” channel, is over. But the real story isn’t the divorce. It’s the fact that Kevin Franke is now the sole legal guardian of their four remaining minor children—kids who were, until recently, trapped in an abusive nightmare behind the closed doors of a so-called parenting enterprise. Let’s rewind to how we got here. In August 2023, the illusion broke. One of the youngest Franke children—emaciated, injured, and desperate—escaped out of a window from the home of Jodi Hildebrandt in Ivins, Utah. That home wasn’t a safehouse. It was a crime scene. The boy went to a neighbor’s house asking for food and water, and what they saw led them to call police immediately. Authorities later found his sister in similar condition. The two women at the center—Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt—were arrested and eventually admitted to four counts each of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony. According to Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke, the kids had been kept in conditions he described as “concentration camp-like.” We're talking about extreme malnutrition, physical injuries, emotional torment—the works. Ruby Franke is now serving at least four years in Utah State Prison, with four consecutive sentences of one to fifteen years each. She’s admitted to a range of abuses, including physically torturing her son, dunking his head underwater, forcing him into strenuous physical tasks, and making both children stand in direct sunlight for long periods without food or water. This wasn’t “tough love.” It was cruelty, systemized and delivered under the pretense of discipline. Meanwhile, the divorce paperwork went through the usual formalities. Filed under “irreconcilable differences”—which feels like calling a wildfire a small campfire. Kevin Franke submitted the signed stipulation in early March, and by March 20th, Judge Roger Griffin finalized the divorce decree. Under the agreement, Kevin walks away with full custody, their Springville home, and a 2.8-acre property in Scofield. Ruby gets to keep $85,000 she withdrew before they split, but the rest of the couple’s joint financial accounts go to Kevin, with the exception of an investment account in her name. Kevin also agreed not to pursue child support from Ruby, effectively considering anything owed already paid. It’s a move that might say more about his priorities—focused on healing the kids rather than fighting over dollars. Neither side asked for alimony. Apparently, they both have what they need to move on—at least financially. What’s more, despite everything, Ruby Franke has chosen to keep the last name “Franke.” Whether that’s a legal convenience or something deeper is anyone’s guess, but it’s a curious choice given the devastation tied to that name now. Both Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt accepted plea deals that cut their total charges from six to four. But make no mistake—the weight of what they admitted to remains enormous. They each face up to 60 years behind bars, though with Utah's system, they’ll be eligible for parole after four. At her sentencing, Ruby addressed her children, thanking the police for “saving them”—and, she said, saving her. She claimed that being handcuffed was the beginning of her freedom, describing herself as so twisted by manipulation that she believed “dark was light and right was wrong.” It’s a haunting statement, especially when you consider the cost it came with. In the end, the legal lines are drawn. Kevin Franke has custody. Ruby Franke has convictions. And six children are now trying to rebuild a childhood that was shattered under the watchful eye of a camera and the hidden weight of abuse. #8PassengersCase #RubyFranke #ChildAbuseSentencing #FrankeDivorceFinalized 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline ...
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    12 mins
  • Was Kevin Franke Brainwashed? The Truth Behind His Loyalty to Ruby-WEEK IN REVIEW

    Was Kevin Franke Brainwashed? The Truth Behind His Loyalty to Ruby-WEEK IN REVIEW
    Mar 16 2025
    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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins

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