Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt

8 Passengers Fallout: Divorce Finalized as Ruby Franke Serves Prison Time The story of Ruby Franke officially closed a major chapter this week as a Utah judge signed off on her divorce from Kevin Franke—marking the legal end to a marriage that once played out in front of millions on YouTube, before unraveling in one of the most disturbing child abuse cases the state has seen in years. It’s now on paper: the marriage that began in 2000, spanned six children, and was broadcast through a curated lens on the “8 Passengers” channel, is over. But the real story isn’t the divorce. It’s the fact that Kevin Franke is now the sole legal guardian of their four remaining minor children—kids who were, until recently, trapped in an abusive nightmare behind the closed doors of a so-called parenting enterprise. Let’s rewind to how we got here. In August 2023, the illusion broke. One of the youngest Franke children—emaciated, injured, and desperate—escaped out of a window from the home of Jodi Hildebrandt in Ivins, Utah. That home wasn’t a safehouse. It was a crime scene. The boy went to a neighbor’s house asking for food and water, and what they saw led them to call police immediately. Authorities later found his sister in similar condition. The two women at the center—Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt—were arrested and eventually admitted to four counts each of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony. According to Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke, the kids had been kept in conditions he described as “concentration camp-like.” We're talking about extreme malnutrition, physical injuries, emotional torment—the works. Ruby Franke is now serving at least four years in Utah State Prison, with four consecutive sentences of one to fifteen years each. She’s admitted to a range of abuses, including physically torturing her son, dunking his head underwater, forcing him into strenuous physical tasks, and making both children stand in direct sunlight for long periods without food or water. This wasn’t “tough love.” It was cruelty, systemized and delivered under the pretense of discipline. Meanwhile, the divorce paperwork went through the usual formalities. Filed under “irreconcilable differences”—which feels like calling a wildfire a small campfire. Kevin Franke submitted the signed stipulation in early March, and by March 20th, Judge Roger Griffin finalized the divorce decree. Under the agreement, Kevin walks away with full custody, their Springville home, and a 2.8-acre property in Scofield. Ruby gets to keep $85,000 she withdrew before they split, but the rest of the couple’s joint financial accounts go to Kevin, with the exception of an investment account in her name. Kevin also agreed not to pursue child support from Ruby, effectively considering anything owed already paid. It’s a move that might say more about his priorities—focused on healing the kids rather than fighting over dollars. Neither side asked for alimony. Apparently, they both have what they need to move on—at least financially. What’s more, despite everything, Ruby Franke has chosen to keep the last name “Franke.” Whether that’s a legal convenience or something deeper is anyone’s guess, but it’s a curious choice given the devastation tied to that name now. Both Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt accepted plea deals that cut their total charges from six to four. But make no mistake—the weight of what they admitted to remains enormous. They each face up to 60 years behind bars, though with Utah's system, they’ll be eligible for parole after four. At her sentencing, Ruby addressed her children, thanking the police for “saving them”—and, she said, saving her. She claimed that being handcuffed was the beginning of her freedom, describing herself as so twisted by manipulation that she believed “dark was light and right was wrong.” It’s a haunting statement, especially when you consider the cost it came with. In the end, the legal...

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news. This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events. Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience. Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Kevin Franke A Victim or an Enabler? FBI Expert Breaks It Down Was Kevin Franke just another victim in Ruby Franke’s twisted world, or was he an enabler quietly standing by as the unthinkable happened? Hulu’s Devil in the Family has reignited the debate, shifting the spotlight onto Kevin—her husband, the father of their children, and the man who claims he was left in the dark. But how does his body language, his words, and his behavior hold up under the scrutiny of a behavioral expert? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke dives into the psychology behind Kevin Franke, Ruby Franke, and the disturbing dynamics that fueled this nightmare. Was Kevin merely manipulated, or was he complicit in his own passivity? And what role did Jodi Hildebrandt play in pushing an already dangerous ideology even further? With deep analysis of the LDS faith’s influence, the power of manipulation, and the eerie similarities to past criminal cases, this episode unpacks the unsettling reality behind the Franke family scandal. So, was Kevin Franke just a tool in Ruby’s grand design, or is there more to the story than meets the eye? #RubyFranke #KevinFranke #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #LDS #Manipulation #FBIAnalysis Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The Hidden Psychology Behind Kevin Franke’s Inaction – FBI Expert Weighs In How do you go from being a father of six to turning a blind eye when your children are suffering? That’s the question swirling around Kevin Franke, who spent a year estranged from his wife, Ruby, and their kids—only to seemingly jump right back into the chaos when given the chance. Even as disturbing truths about alleged child abuse surfaced, he clung to the belief that Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt had everything under control. Was it brainwashing? An addiction to a toxic relationship? Or was Kevin simply so deep in denial that reality didn’t stand a chance? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke breaks down the psychological stronghold that kept Kevin tethered to an allegedly abusive dynamic, even as the walls of his world came crashing down. And with Kevin now fighting for custody of his children, the question remains—should he get them back? Or is he still too lost in the wreckage to be the father they need? #TrueCrime #KevinFranke #RubyFranke #JodiHildebrandt #ChildAbuse #PsychologicalManipulation #HiddenKillers Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

FBI Behavioral Analyst on Why Kevin Franke Didn’t Act Sooner How do you go from parenting to full-blown exorcisms? That’s the twisted reality of the alleged abuse unfolding in the Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt saga. What started as a strict religious upbringing spiraled into something far more sinister—kids being duct-taped, starved, and subjected to cruel punishments, all under the guise of “purging uncleanliness.” But how did Ruby go from a popular mommy vlogger to someone who saw her own children as demons? And was Jodi the puppet master, manipulating Ruby for her own twisted needs? Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke break down the psychological manipulation, cult-like tactics, and sheer horror behind this case. From Jodi’s alleged possession performances to Kevin Franke’s apparent addiction to Ruby, it’s a deep dive into a world where control, abuse, and religious extremism collided—leaving the most vulnerable to suffer. Did Jodi truly believe in what she was preaching, or was she just cashing in on control and chaos? And how do people so fully lose themselves in a belief system that they justify harming their own children? #TrueCrime #RubyFranke #JodiHildebrandt #HiddenKillers #FBIAnalysis #PsychologicalManipulation #CultBehavior Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

FBI Profiler Analyzes Kevin Franke’s Behavior In Ruby Franke Devil In The Family Doc Was Kevin Frankie just an oblivious husband caught in the crossfire of a manipulative cult-like influence, or was he a willing enabler turning a blind eye to the horrors unfolding in his own home? Hulu's Devil in the Family has reignited the public debate, shifting the spotlight onto Kevin and his role—or lack thereof—in the Ruby Frankie child abuse case. FBI behavioral expert Robin Dreeke joins the conversation to break down Kevin’s statements, body language, and just how deep the psychological manipulation may have gone. Was Kevin truly kept in the dark, or is he still rationalizing his own inaction? And what role did the twisted interpretations of faith play in justifying the unthinkable? #RubyFrankie #KevinFrankie #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #RobinDreeke #BehavioralAnalysis #CrimeInvestigation Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Was Kevin Franke a victim of manipulation, or did he knowingly turn a blind eye while his children suffered? The Ruby Franke case has left many stunned, but the focus now shifts to her husband, Kevin—a man who still claims to love the woman who tortured their children. While he insists he was a victim of religious coercion and extreme psychological control, many argue he was complicit, neglectful, and far too passive. With a new Hulu documentary shedding light on his role, Kevin is scrambling to explain his inaction. Was he brainwashed by the cult-like influence of Jodi Hildebrandt and the rigid authority of his faith? Or was he just a man too weak to stand up for his own kids? And now that he's seeking custody, should the courts even consider giving it to him? #RubyFranke #KevinFranke #JodiHildebrandt #TrueCrime #CultMentality #ChildAbuse #HiddenKillers Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com