The Franke family found themselves wrapped up in a perplexing and sinister situation, as Kevin Franke alleged that his estranged wife Ruby Franke’s close friend and business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, was possessed by demonic forces. In a chilling revelation, Kevin described himself as Hildebrandt’s personal exorcist as she believed she was tormented by shadow figures every night, leading to a series of bizarre events in Utah’s Washington County in early 2021.
As the situation intensified, Kevin recalled a visit to Hildebrandt’s home in May 2021, where inexplicable and disturbing occurrences took place, such as crashes in the basement and plates flying off shelves. Despite his background as an engineer and college professor, Kevin was unable to rationalize these events that seemed to defy logic and reason, leaving him deeply unsettled and convinced that something sinister was at play.
Witnessing the escalating possession of Hildebrandt, the Franken family sought help from a bishop who attempted to cast out the demons plaguing the home. However, after months of unsuccessful attempts, the bishop recommended that Hildebrandt move in with the Franken family, a decision that would lead to increased turmoil and chaos within the household as bizarre phenomena continued to occur.
As the situation spiraled out of control, Kevin found himself assuming the role of the “resident exorcist,” performing blessings to combat Hildebrandt’s frequent trances and possessions. The situation took a darker turn when Ruby began experiencing similar trances and claiming to have visions of encounters with heavenly figures, leading to an unsettling dynamic between the two women as they shared a bed and engaged in troubling behaviors.
The strain on the family reached a breaking point when Kevin decided to separate from Ruby following her involvement in the disturbing events and subsequent arrest for aggravated child abuse in August 2023. The former “8 Passengers” YouTube host was found guilty and sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, along with Hildebrandt, who received the same sentence. The judge characterized their actions as terrifying and harmful to the children, bringing an end to a harrowing chapter in the lives of all those involved.
In retrospect, the unfolding of events revealed a complex and chilling narrative of possession, exorcism, and abuse that gripped the Franke family and their associates in a web of darkness and despair. Despite attempts to intervene and seek help, the situation only intensified, leading to tragic consequences for the children involved and legal repercussions for those responsible. The saga serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked spiritual beliefs, mental health issues, and the destructive power of unchecked darkness within the confines of a seemingly ordinary family dynamic.
