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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.