The estranged husband of Ruby Franke, a Utah family vlogger convicted of child abuse, alleged that her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, was possessed. Kevin Franke, who filed for divorce from Ruby Franke, said he became Hildebrandt’s “resident exorcist” during the time they allowed her to stay in their house. The two were arrested after police found one of Franke’s sons emaciated with open wounds and bound with duct tape, while one of his daughters was found in a similar malnourished condition in Hildebrandt’s home. Both women were sentenced to four one- to 15-year terms in prison, served consecutively.
The Franke family gained fame on YouTube with their channel, “8 Passengers,” but Ruby Franke’s strict parenting style raised concerns among viewers and neighbors. Hildebrandt’s life-coaching service, ConneXions, faced scrutiny as well. Kevin Franke shared his timeline of events with authorities, explaining why he and Ruby Franke took Hildebrandt in. He got involved with ConneXions in 2020 at the behest of his wife and a friend, joining a weekly men’s group led by Hildebrandt. The situation changed in March 2021 when Hildebrandt claimed to be tormented by shadow figures, leading to Ruby Franke offering help.
Kevin Franke described growing suspicions of Hildebrandt as Ruby Franke became closer to her. The situation prompted Ruby Franke to request a separation in July 2022, which Kevin Franke did not want but agreed to. He claimed every week after moving out turned into “psychological hell.” He described having to get Hildebrandt’s approval to reenter the house, as she became the arbiter of truth and forgiveness in Ruby Franke’s eyes. Kevin Franke eventually filed for divorce just before the separation.
During the trial, lawyers for Ruby Franke argued that Hildebrandt “systematically isolated” her from her family, leading to a “distorted sense of morality” under Hildebrandt’s influence. Ruby Franke admitted to following counsel that led her into a “dark delusion” for the past four years. Hildebrandt also gave a brief statement during the sentencing. The case became a public spectacle, with the Washington County Attorney’s Office releasing Ruby Franke’s handwritten journal entries detailing months of abuse. Kevin Franke’s interview revealed the strange events that unfolded during Hildebrandt’s stay in their home, including possession-like episodes and odd occurrences that he witnessed.
The Franke family’s rise to fame on YouTube was marred by the child abuse case, drawing concern from viewers and neighbors. Hildebrandt’s ConneXions service also faced criticism, with former clients describing it as isolating and destructive. Kevin Franke’s involvement with Hildebrandt and ConneXions led to strange events in his home, including lights turning on and off, unexplained noises, and flying plates. He reluctantly became Hildebrandt’s “resident exorcist” as things escalated. The interview sheds light on the complex and troubling events that unfolded before the arrest and sentencing of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, highlighting the impact of their actions on the Franke family and those around them.
