A gripping new true crime documentary has emerged, featuring unsettling footage from the police investigation of the Ruby Franke case. This documentary has profoundly impacted viewers, particularly due to a moment involving her husband, Kevin Franke.
Ruby Franke, once recognized as a Mormon momfluencer, shared her family’s life with her husband and six children on the YouTube channel “8 Passengers.”However, in a shocking turn of events in 2023, Ruby’s 12-year-old son, Russel, escaped from a window and sought help from a neighbor, revealing the harrowing conditions within the household.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement officers uncovered a horrific pattern of child abuse, perpetrated by Ruby and her business associate, Jodi Hildebrant. In February 2024, both women received sentences of up to 60 years in prison for their crimes.
While Hulu is set to release its documentary series on this case on February 27, true crime enthusiasts can get an early look at the event with “Explore With Us,” which has launched a one-hour exposé detailing the investigation. Viewer discretion is advised as the contents may be distressing.
New Documentary Reveals Shocking Insights
Entitled “Boy Escapes From YouTuber’s House of Horrors,” the documentary presents police bodycam footage documenting the rescue, alongside disturbing evidence of ongoing abuse, including an alarming mixture of honey and cayenne allegedly applied to the children’s wounds.
The film details the initial questioning of Ruby and Jodi by detectives, yet it is Kevin Franke’s reactions that have captured significant attention from audiences. Although he had separated from Ruby due to her deepening relationship with Jodi by July 2022, he officially filed for divorce in November 2023 shortly after the pair faced child abuse charges.
As depicted in the documentary, Kevin was already at the police station upon the detectives’ arrival, hoping to retrieve his children. Instead, he was taken into an interrogation room where detectives probed his awareness of the abuse. Kevin insisted he had been merely a financial provider and maintained a distance from family matters.
When questioned about the disciplining methods utilized during his marriage to Ruby, he refrained from answering. The situation escalated when officers disclosed the details surrounding Russel’s escape, highlighting that he had duct tape around his wrists and ankles, concealing rope burns inflicted upon him.
In a stunning moment captured on tape, Kevin expressed concern for his wife, asking, “What’s going to happen with my wife? I love my wife… are you going to press charges against my wife?” This reaction spurred outrage among viewers, many of whom expressed disbelief at his priorities.
Viewer Backlash Against Kevin Franke
The documentary has raised significant commentary, primarily focusing on Kevin’s apparent concern for Ruby over that of his children. Comments from viewers include sentiments such as, “He heard his kids are getting tied down, abused, and starved, and he asked what’s going to happen to my wife. Not how are my kids. What a horrible man, involved deeply,” highlighting the public’s outrage.
Another viewer remarked, “I’m just shocked that the FATHER of these kids didn’t ask about what’s going to happen to his kids, but instead has the audacity to ask about his wife? And in the same sentence, say he loves her?? After what they just said had happened to their son… so insane.”
Moreover, Kevin is reportedly seeking custody of his four children, as the other two are adults. Some commenters have voiced strong opposition, stating, “There’s NO way Kevin Franke should ever have custody of those kids again,” and “Sadly, I don’t think the dad should ever receive custody of his children; he failed them absolutely and cannot be trusted with their wellbeing.”
In contrast, viewers acknowledged the compassion shown by police officers, particularly towards Eve, who they sat with for four hours until she felt comfortable enough to speak. One viewer commented on their approach, stating, “I am so glad the police handled that little girl the way they did. Physically, it would have been easy to just pick her up and take her, but they understood the extreme stress and trauma that poor girl has/is experiencing; they were gentle and patient.”
For those interested, you can watch the full “Explore With Us” documentary here. Additionally, information regarding “Ruby Franke: A Momfluencer’s Double Life?” and Shari Franke’s efforts to regulate family vlogging are also available.
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