Shari Franke’s book, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, explores her revelations about the dynamic between her mother, Ruby Franke, and her associate Jodi Hildebrandt.
In her memoir, Shari says that after her mother’s arrest, she found messages on her laptop confirming the true nature of their relationship.
The abuse the children endured came to light when a 12-year-old boy climbed out of a window and ran to neighbors, begging for food and water.
The child is the offspring of Ruby Franke, a notable figure recognized for her YouTube channel named 8 Passengers. The residence was owned by Franke’s business collaborator, Jodi Hildebrandt.
Neighbors alerted the authorities. Officers observed that the boy looked emaciated and malnourished. They further noted he had “deep lacerations from being tied up with rope” and duct tape binding his wrists and ankles. Upon inspecting Hildebrandt’s residence, officers discovered Franke’s 10-year-old daughter in a similarly distressing state. Both children were brought to a medical facility.
Franke’s parenting channel, 8 Passengers, which once had over 2 million followers, offered parenting advice. In one video, she admitted to withholding food as a form of punishment.
Both women were convicted of aggravated child abuse.
Additional Guest
Dr. Dana Anderson – Forensic Psychologist and consultant, court appointed expert witness, Twitter: @psychologydrcom, TikTok: @psychologydr
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo:Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby Franke/Instagram]
