Ruby Frank update: TikTokers crash virtual court hearing before YouTube influencer held in jail

Mother of six appeared alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt accused of abusing and starving her children

The disturbing details of Ruby Franke’s child abuse allegations

YouTube parenting influncer Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were supposed to appear in court in St George, Utah on Friday afternoon over child abuse charges, but the proceeding was delayed as tech issues plagued the virtual hearing.

Both women were ordered to be held without bail; their bond hearings are slated for 21 September. Ms Franke has reportedly been relocated to the medical unit of the jail, but the reasons for her move are unclear.

Over 1,000 people tuned into the hearing and after a cacophony of bizarre noises and pleas to be quiet, the court shut down public access. It transpired later the Zoom link had been shared on TikTok.

The pair were arrested on 30 August after Ms Franke’s 12-year-old son climbed out of a window and pleaded for neighbors to give him food and water, court documents showed.

After a neighbor noticed that duct tape covering the boy’s ankles and wrists, prompting the neighbor to notify law enforcement. In a chilling 911 call, the neighbor can be heard describing the boy: “He is emaciated. He’s got tape around his legs. He’s hungry and he’s thirsty.”

Key points

• YouTube influencer and mother of six charged with six felony counts of aggravated child abuse
• Ruby Franke will appear in court on Friday alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt
• Arrests were made after 12-year-old child escaped house and begged neighbour for food and water
• In shocking 911 call the neighbour describes child as bound in duct tape and “covered in wounds"

[8 September 2023 19:57 · Oliver O'Connell]

Watch: MSNBC breaks down the escape that led to Ruby Franke’s arrest

[8 September 2023 20:15 · Amber Raiken]

Who is Ruby Franke?

Ruby Franke, who once operated her own YouTube channel about the lives of her six children, has been placed under arrest on charges related to child abuse.

Franke first made headlines back in 2015 for her controversial parenting advice that she shared on the YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” which featured her husband Kevin Franke and their children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.

[8 September 2023 20:38 · Oliver O'Connell]

Court appearance to get underway shortly

A live stream of the virtual hearing in the case of Utah v Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt is getting underway shortly.

They are charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse.

A large number of members of the public have logged into the hearing via Zoom and it is being streamed on various platforms.

[8 September 2023 20:43 · Oliver O'Connell]

As more of the public join the Zoom call with the hearing yet to begin, social media users are claiming to have spotted Chad Franke, Ruby’s eldest son on the grid of pictures of people logged on.

[8 September 2023 20:58 · Oliver O'Connell]

Tech issues appear to mar Ruby Franke court hearing

With more than 1,000 people joining the public Zoom call to witness the Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt court hearing, there appear to be technical difficulties...

[8 September 2023 21:04 · Oliver O'Connell]

Court kicks public out of Zoom meeting

Law & Crime’s Cathy Russon reports that the court has kicked everyone out of the hearing and will try again.

[8 September 2023 21:16 · Kelly Rissman]

Full Story: Ruby Franke virtual court hearing on child abuse charges is derailed by tech issues as over 1,000 people join

YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, are supposed to appear in court in St George, Utah on Friday afternoon over child abuse charges, but the proceeding has yet to officially begin as tech issues have plagued the virtual hearing.

[8 September 2023 21:29 · Oliver O'Connell]

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt held without bail

A judge has ruled that Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt will be held without bail. Their bond hearing is set for 9am on 21 September.

Ms Franke has been moved to the medical unit of the jail but it is not known why, Cathy Russon of Law & Crime reports.

[8 September 2023 21:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

ICYMI: Ruby Franke’s sisters speak out

After the Utah Youtuber Ruby Franke — who offered parenting advice — was arrested on child abuse charges, Ms Franke’s sisters spoke out on social media, explaining they had their own concerns about her children behind the scenes.

Kelly Rissman reports.

[8 September 2023 22:45 · Kelly Rissman]

Ruby Franke held without bail as virtual court hearing on child abuse charges derailed by tech issues

YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were supposed to appear in court in St George, Utah on Friday afternoon over child abuse charges, but the proceeding was delayed as tech issues plagued the virtual hearing.

Both women were ordered to be held without bail; their bond hearings are slated for 21 September. Ms Franke has reportedly been relocated to the medical unit of the jail, but the reasons for her move are unclear.

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