The Ruby Franke case has gripped the nation, particularly those who followed the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel. The Utah mother of six, once a prominent parenting influencer, now faces serious charges of child abuse. Her arrest, alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, followed a harrowing incident where Franke’s emaciated 12-year-old son escaped Hildebrandt’s residence seeking help.
Adding another layer to this unsettling case is the revelation that the Franke family had previously hired David Corrington, a retired Homeland Security special agent and private investigator, back in 2020. Corrington was tasked with investigating threats and harassment the family claimed they were receiving due to backlash over their controversial parenting techniques.
The Genesis of the Frankie Family’s Downfall
The “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, launched in 2015 by Ruby and her husband Kevin, offered viewers an intimate glimpse into the life of their large Mormon family. The channel gained significant traction, with Ruby dispensing parenting advice and sharing insights into their homeschooling and marriage dynamics. However, what began as seemingly wholesome family content took a dark turn.
Viewers began expressing concern over Ruby’s disciplinary methods, which many deemed excessively harsh. A 2020 video, later removed, showed Franke’s 15-year-old son detailing a punishment that involved sleeping on a beanbag for seven months for seemingly minor infractions. This incident, among others, sparked outrage and accusations of child abuse.
A Change.org petition calling for intervention from Child Protective Services gained momentum, leading to an investigation. While the case was eventually closed, the damage was done. The “8 Passengers” channel went dark in 2022 and was ultimately removed from YouTube earlier this year, though the specific reasons remain undisclosed.
Inside the Mind of a Family Under Siege
As the Frankies faced increasing public scrutiny and criticism, they claimed to be the target of harassment and threats. This led them to hire David Corrington.
In an exclusive interview, Corrington shed light on the unsettling experiences that prompted the family to seek his services. Subscribers, angered by the perceived mistreatment of the Franke children, allegedly resorted to harassing tactics, including subscribing the family to unwanted services and making late-night visits to their home.
Corrington revealed that the harassment included:
- Subscribing the Frankies to random services: Individuals, posing as Ruby and Kevin, enrolled them in various subscriptions, resulting in an overwhelming influx of emails and phone calls. In one instance, the family was even signed up for a plastic surgery consultation.
- Late-night disturbances: One chilling incident involved an unidentified individual, appearing to be a woman in her late 20s, ringing the doorbell of the Franke residence in the middle of the night. The individual, who attempted to conceal their identity with a sweatshirt and oversized glasses, was captured on the family’s security cameras.
Security camera footage shows a figure ringing the doorbell late at night.
Corrington’s investigation involved tracing IP addresses and collaborating with law enforcement. However, despite his efforts, the District Attorney’s office ultimately decided not to pursue charges.
A Father’s Troubling Perspective
While Corrington’s primary role was to address the harassment allegations, he couldn’t ignore the disturbing undercurrents present within the Franke family. He admitted to finding their parenting style, as depicted in their videos, troubling. He even cautioned Kevin Franke about the potential consequences of their controversial content.
Corrington’s interactions were predominantly with Kevin, who appeared genuinely concerned for his family’s safety. However, Corrington found it peculiar that he was never granted access to the family home or given the opportunity to speak with the children directly. This detail, seemingly insignificant at the time, now carries a chilling weight in light of recent events.
When asked about his current perspective on Kevin’s claims of being unaware of the alleged abuse, Corrington expressed skepticism. Given Kevin’s close involvement in the children’s lives, he found it difficult to comprehend how he could have been oblivious to the situation, especially during a 13-month separation from Ruby.
A Legacy Tarnished, A Community Shaken
The Ruby Franke case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dark side of internet fame and the crucial importance of responsible content creation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the world watches, seeking justice for the young lives allegedly caught in the crossfire of misguided parenting and the relentless scrutiny of the online world.
