Former YouTuber Ruby Franke's Handwritten Journals Expose Child Abuse

In a shocking revelation, handwritten journal entries by former YouTuber Ruby Franke have been released, detailing the extensive abuse she inflicted upon her children. The diaries, part of a substantial collection of evidence made public, provide a harrowing account of the suffering endured by Franke's children.

Ruby Franke, once known for her "mommy blogger" YouTube channel 8 Passengers, meticulously documented her family life for millions of followers. However, the same attention to detail was applied to chronicling months of daily abuse against her children. The entries describe acts of starvation, physical punishment, and psychological torment, painting a picture of a household ruled by cruelty and manipulation.

The abuse came to light when Franke's 12-year-old son escaped through a window and sought help from a neighbor, leading to the discovery of his and his sister's plight. The children were found in a state of malnutrition, with visible wounds and bruises. Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, a mental health counselor, were arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse.

Prosecutors have stated that religious extremism motivated the abuse, with Franke and Hildebrandt believing their actions were necessary for the children's repentance. The women, who have claimed affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have been sentenced to up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.

The released documents, including Franke's journals, police reports, crime scene videos, interrogation tapes, and body camera footage, offer a comprehensive view of the investigation and the extent of the abuse. In one journal entry, Franke wrote about a "big day for evil" and detailed how she pushed her son into a pool while holding his nose and mouth. Other entries describe forcing her children to perform manual labor in the desert heat, shaving their heads, and subjecting them to degrading treatment.

The case has sparked widespread condemnation, with other Mormon parenting bloggers distancing themselves from Franke and Hildebrandt's actions. Since the arrest, Franke's husband, Kevin, has filed for divorce and is seeking custody of their children.

The Franke case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse hidden behind the curated images of family life often portrayed on social media. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to be aware of and report suspected child abuse.