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A 12-year-old’s courageous escape out a window led to the arrest of his mother Ruby Franke, the popular YouTube star. The drama took place in Washington County Utah in a nice suburban neighborhood.

The heart-wrenching case has cast a spotlight on issues of child abuse and trust, as well as the consequences of online influence.

YouTube Channels shut down

Franke's fame through her "8 Passengers" YouTube channel garnered millions of global followers. 

According to a neighbor, "In early 2022, it started getting weird. People were concerned because Ruby completely stopped her YouTube stuff. And then it just kind of turned dark. She taped up paper over all of her windows. She would disappear for weeks at a time and there's all these little kids just left alone in this house."

In June 2022, Franke announced she and business partner therapist Jodi Hildebrandt would be active on “ConneXions” their new life counseling YouTube channel.

In 2012 Hildebrandt's license was put on hold for 18 months after she discussed a patient's alleged "porn addiction" with Mormon church elders without the patient's permission.

As of Friday, YouTube confirmed both vlog accounts have been shut down.

YouTube Star faces charges

Hildebrandt and Franke were both arrested and charged Friday with six counts of child abuse. And the arrests have shattered the image of a happy family portrayed in the videos. 

According to arresting documents, an unidentified boy managed to climb out Hildebrandt’s window in Ivins, Utah. The severely malnourished child ran to a neighbor's house at approximately 10:50 a.m. 

The child was begging for food and water. The neighbor was shocked by his poor condition.  And swiftly contacted the police.

"The calling party stated the juvenile appeared to be emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities," stated local authorities, painting a grim picture of the child's condition.

Utah Mom of 8 Passengers YouTube Channel Arrested on Child Abuse Charges; Business Partner Also Detained – USA Herald

More investigation painted an even darker picture., revealing severe wounds. He had deep lacerations from being duct taped that had not been treated. And was also malnourished. 

The child is receiving treatment at an area hospital.

Another child, a 10-year-old girl was discovered within the same residence. She was also duct taped and severely malnourished.

Obtaining a search warrant, authorities uncovered damning evidence consistent with the injuries observed on the juvenile, strengthening the case against the YouTuber. 

Franke was seen in a YouTube video filmed at the residence just days prior to the incident. Authorities believe her presence there points to awareness of the abuse.

Shari Franke’s siblings are safe now

Franke's oldest daughter, Shari Franke, shared a poignant post on Instagram featuring police officers with the word "Finally." She has also asked viewers to send her videos from the “ConneXions” YouTube channel that may indicate abuse.

In a subsequent story, she expressed gratitude that justice was finally being served while also acknowledging the long road to recovery ahead for her affected siblings.

The Department of Child and Family Services collaborated with the Springville Police Department to ensure the safety of the children involved. Four minors were placed under the department's care, highlighting the urgent need for protective intervention in cases of abuse.

Laurieann Thorpe, Director of Prevent Child Abuse Utah, emphasized the sobering reality that the majority of child abuse cases stem from individuals the victims trust implicitly. 

Thorpe underscored the importance of adults believing and supporting children who disclose abuse, as they often do so repeatedly before seeking help.

The events surrounding Ruby Franke's arrest shine a light on the complex intersections of fame, online influence, and the immense responsibility of parents and caregivers. As the case continues to unfold, it may well reveal that even the most idyllic facades can conceal heart-wrenching horrors.