A tragic tale unfolds as family therapist Jodie Hildebrandt, initially seen as a potential support for the children of popular vlogger Ruby Franke, turned out to be an accomplice in their abuse.
The relationship between Franke and Hildebrandt, established in 2019 through their shared Mormon community, took a dark turn. While Franke showcased her family life on YouTube with her husband and children, Hildebrandt, a respected figure in the Mormon church, ran a successful life coaching business.
By 2022, Franke and her husband split, leading to the closure of their YouTube channel. Encouraged by Hildebrandt, Franke moved into her remote mansion, where the abuse unfolded. The depths of their cruelty were exposed when Franke’s 12-year-old son sought help from a neighbor, revealing the horrifying conditions he and his sister endured.
The abuse included physical and emotional torment, with Franke subjecting her children to harsh punishments, deprivation, and degrading treatment. Hildebrandt played a significant role in orchestrating the abuse, as revealed in the Netflix documentary, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story.
In the aftermath of their arrest, Franke and Hildebrandt were sentenced to prison terms for their heinous crimes. Franke expressed remorse in court, acknowledging her descent into delusion and the harm inflicted on her children. Meanwhile, the children were placed under the care of child protective services, with their father eventually gaining full custody.
Shari, Franke’s eldest daughter, later wrote a memoir detailing her harrowing experiences, while her son, Chad, has moved on to start a new life. Despite the ordeal, the identities of Franke’s children remain undisclosed.