Hidden True Crime - Ruby Franke's Youngest Children Speak Out in BOMBSHELL Statements

Episode Date: March 9, 2026

In this episode, we break down the powerful and heartbreaking new statements from Russell and Eve Franke, the two youngest survivors of the Franke family abuse case, as they speak directly to lawmakers about the Utah bill they believe could have saved them. We revisit the rise and fall of the 8 Passengers family, the disturbing influence of Jodi Hildebrandt, and the horrifying abuse that was happening behind closed doors long before Russell made his desperate escape on August 30, 2023. But this story is no longer just about what happened — it’s about what failed. Eve reveals that police and child welfare workers were at the door for months but legally couldn’t get inside, and both children are now pleading for passage of the Gavin Peterson Bill, a measure meant to close the gap that can leave abused children trapped with no way out. Their words are raw, direct, and devastating — and they force all of us to confront a painful question: why are children still being asked to save themselves? About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Instant withdrawal subject to conditions, fees, and eligibility requirements may apply to certain checking features of the cash account. There is something deeply unsettling hearing a child say something no child should ever have to say. but recently, that's exactly what happened. 12-year-old Eve Frankie looked directly at lawmakers and said something that honestly took my breath away. She said, as you may know, my name is Eve, I'm doing this again,

because the people making laws are being stupid again. That was directly from Eve Frankie this week. And if that sentence alone doesn't make you pause, what she said next probably will. She said she remembers police officers and child welfare workers knocking on the door of the house where she was being abused for months, but they couldn't come in. She said, I remember that for months police officers and DCFS knocked on our door, but they were never able to come in. If they had, I would have been saved from starvation, isolation, and just abuse in general. Just let that sink in for a moment.

was outside the door, but the law couldn't get them inside. We're talking about a major update with the Frankie family, and later in this episode, we're going to hear the full statements from Eve and her now 15-year-old brother, Russell, including, including a moment that is honestly one of the most chilling things I've heard from a child. Because it's just 12 years old, Eve describes what she lived through and even calls her own mother, a psychopath. It's something we almost never hear in cases like this, the voices of the victims themselves. Russell and Eve Frankie, they are children, and they are also abused survivors. And now, both of them are speaking publicly about what happened to them and about the law they believe could

have saved them. And honestly, their statements are some of the most powerful things I have heard in a long time. My name is Lauren Matthias. And this, is hidden true crime. Most of you watching undoubtedly know the Frankie's story. But to understand why this legislation matters so much to this family, I want to touch on what happened just for a moment. The Frankie family became famous on YouTube through their channel, eight passengers.

The channel showed the daily lives of Ruby Frankie, her husband, Kevin Frankie, and their six children. For years, the channel portrayed a pretty typical large family life, school mornings, family dinners, parenting struggles, all the things that happen in normal families, right? And at its peak, the channel had more than two million subscribers. Millions of people watched these kids grow up online. But over time, viewers also began noticing that Ruby's parenting style often leaned towards authoritarian with extreme discipline and obedience. My bedroom was taken away for seven months and then you

give it back like a couple weeks ago. I don't think our viewers know that. I'll sleep it on a bean bag since October. And they gave my room back like two weeks ago. If you cut one more thing in my house, I'm going to take the scissors, look at me, and I'm gonna cut its head off. God, I will be so much. So what are you gonna do?

Are you gonna cut anything else? No. You promise? Look at Mama. I just got a text message from Euse teacher. And she said that Eve did not pack a lunch today and can I bring a lunch over to the school. This happens quite often when you're having raising children because I know that her teacher is uncomfortable with her being hungry and not having a lunch. And it would ease her discomfort if I came to the school with lunch.

But I responded and just said Eve is responsible. for making her lunches in the morning and she actually told me she did pack a lunch. So the natural outcome is she's just going to need to be hungry. And hopefully, hopefully nobody gives her food and nobody steps in and gives her a lunch. There were so many moments that caused backlash online and eventually the channel stopped altogether. It's just stopped uploading. But by that time, something much darker was happening behind the scenes. And that was the influence. And that was the influence of licensed therapist Jody Hildebrand, and as the backlash online was increasing, Ruby and Kevin were becoming deeply involved with Jody and her alleged therapeutic program

that she called connections. Yes, connections with an X. And connections focused heavily on morality, personal accountability, and strict behavioral control and obedience, all under the guise of self-help. And over time, Ruby became completely immersed. in that program. While Jody would tell Kevin to work on himself in order to save his marriage and family, she would create distance and isolate the married couple. Ruby, on the other hand, was cast as Jody's star patient and began appearing in videos and podcasts with Jody. Ruby became a mental fitness coach for connections, and the pair would talk about parenting, discipline, and something they called living in truth. But gradually, Jody's influence became increasingly controlling.

and the relationship Jody and Ruby shared became more disturbing. Ruby distanced herself from relatives. Kevin was kicked out of their Utah home, and then the oldest son Chad, and then the oldest daughter, Sherry, also kicked out until the four younger remaining children were left without a safety net at all. And eventually, the two youngest, most vulnerable children, Russell and Eve, were moved into Jody's desert dwelling in southern Utah, Ivans, to be exact. The $5 million house situated among cacti and red rock, it was isolated. And what investigators later discovered happening

inside that house was nothing less than horrific, a true house of horrors. Everything came crashing down on August 30th, 2023. That was the day a starving, injured little boy became a hero. He showed up at a neighbor's house asking for help. Yes. Hi. How are personal business? That child was Russell Frankie. He was just 12 years old and his full name is now being used as he speaks his

truth to lawmakers. Russell courageously found a moment and it was a moment that changed everything. While he knew if he got caught, the punishment could end in unfathomable punishment in death if he got caught. Yes. He took the risk, knowing it was his one chance, and he escaped Jody's home despite his life, his very life being at risk. He found someone home at a neighboring house and asked for help. He was extremely thin. He had open wounds to the bone. Duck cape had been used on parts of his body, and it was clear horrific things had been done to this little boy.

The neighbor immediately called 911 and broke down on the call while. explaining Russell's state. His ankles are taped. He has duct taped around each ankle. Yeah, there's sores around them. I think the good chance he's been, oh, and he hasn't been around his ankles. I mean, his wrists as well.

Okay, this boy has been, I think he's been, he's been detained. He's obviously covered in wounds. When officers arrived, Russell told them his sister was still, still inside Jody's home, the House of Horrors. Police arrived at the house and found Eve Frankie inside a dark closet sitting on the floor in silence. We helped your brother and we got him some help too. That's what we want to do for you. If we want to get you some help too, we are safe. We will not hurt you and we won't do anything to hurt you. Eve too was severely malnour.

clearly too traumatized to even speak or trust the adults trying to help her. It took hours to convince her to even allow them to help, but both children were taken to the hospital. At my bank, I was literally getting pennies using wealth fronts. Ch-ching, there's this much that I'm getting an interest and I didn't have to do anything. Clients like Angela earn up to 4.2% APY on their cash with the Wealthfront cash account. Get started at Wealthfront.com. Client was paid $1,000 for their testimonial, creating a conflict of interest.

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As of January 30th, 2026 is representative variable and earned on funds. swept to program banks. 0.65% new client boost for three months on up to $150,000. Direct deposit $1,000 a month and fund an investing account for a 0.25% increase. Cash account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC member FINRA SIPC, not a bank. These and eligibility requirements may apply to certain checking features of the cash account. Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt were arrested that very same day. Eventually, they both pleaded guilty to multiple accounts of aggravated child abuse

and were sentenced to prison in February 2024. This case absolutely shocked the country and the world. But as we now know, there were warning signs long before Russell escaped, and that's where this new fight begins. Kevin Frankie and the oldest Frankie Child Sherry have been very open about the warning signs that existed before the arrest. Ruby pulled the children out of their private school and said she was going to homeschool them. But that decision had a huge consequence.

Teachers and school staff were no longer seeing the kids regularly. And then the children became increasingly isolated. Neighbors rarely saw them. Friends didn't see them. And eventually, they were held captive in Jody Hildebrand's fortress. Yes, family members were worried. Their big sister, Sherry, even tried to report her concerns to police and contacted Utah's division of child and family services herself.

Hi. My name is Sherry Frankie. my four younger siblings are living in Springville, and my neighbors have been telling me that they have been left home alone for about four or five days. But there were major obstacles. Ruby and Jody refused to cooperate. They ignored phone calls. They refused to answer the door. And under current Utah law, that can shut down an investigation.

Because unless authorities already have strong evidence of abuse, they cannot force entry into a home just to check on a child. Kevin and Sherry say that this legal gap, allowed the abuse to continue four months. And because of that experience, Kevin and Sherry began advocating for changes to Utah's child welfare laws. Specifically, they began supporting Senate Bill 124. The bill would allow investigators to ask a juvenile court judge for an investigative warrant, and that warrant would allow authorities to physically check on a child when credible safety concerns exist and parents refuse to cooperate. Supporters say it wouldn't automatically, removed children from homes. It would simply, what it would do is simply allow investigators to

confirm that the child is safe. That's it. Kevin says similar laws already exist in most states, just not Utah. But Utah, Utah doesn't have that legal tool. And that gap, he says, is exactly what allowed Ruby and Jody to hide the children. The bill is known as a Gavin Peterson bill. It was named after a young boy named Gavin Peterson, a 12-year-old boy from Utah. He was a who died after severe abuse at the hands of family members. Investigators later discovered there were warning signs in his case, too. Authorities had concerns about his welfare, but investigators didn't physically see him for nearly a year. And by the time the truth came out, it was too late.

Supporters of the bill say Gavin's case exposed this same legal gap. If authorities can't physically check on a child when parents refuse to cooperate, abuse can remain hidden for months or longer, for years even. And that is why lawmakers propose SB 124. The idea was to create a middle ground, not immediate removal, not forced arrests, just the ability to verify that a child is safe. That's it. The bill eventually passed the Utah Senate. But when it reached the House of Representatives, it failed. The vote was 30 to 43. Some lawmakers said they were concerned about government overreach or parental rights. Others argued the existing laws were already enough. But the Frankie family, they strongly disagree. And that vote is what prompted Russell and Eve

to use their voices and speak out. Yes, the voices of victims, the voices of survivors, and now the voices of advocates. Russell released a statement about the failed bill, and I want to read his words, exactly as he wrote them. He said, quote, I don't know why this bill didn't get passed. I find it shocking that legislatures would find it better for a kid in an abusive situation to have to fend for themselves and try to escape. This is exactly what I had to do. I realized that I had to get out of my abusive situation with my mom. I wish I didn't need to put my life on the line. I wish I didn't need to put my life on the line in order to accomplish this. It would have saved a lot of physical and mental pain for me and my sister. And sure, this bill wasn't even an idea at the time of this event, but for kids in the

future, this bill could save them if it got past. End quote. Did you hear that, by the way? He admits his life was at risk. He put his life on the line in order to escape and save his little sister and himself. That statement feels incredibly powerful because Russell isn't speaking theoretically. He is describing exactly what happened to him. He had to escape. He had to risk his life just to get someone to listen. And then Eve, his little sister, released her statement. And honestly, it is one of the most direct statements I have ever heard from a 12-year-old. She said, quote, as you may know my name is Eve. I'm doing this again because the people making laws are being stupid again. She continues. Kids are dying and being traumatized left and right because, well, I don't know why.

And that's the problem. I see no reason with real logic behind it as to why this law shouldn't be in place. And then she said something heartbreaking. I remember that for months, police officers and DCFS knocked on our door, but they were never able to come in. If they had, I would have been saved from starvation, isolation, and just child abuse in general. I'm going to stop here for a second. Imagine hearing that as a lawmaker. The help was outside the door, but the law couldn't get them inside. Eve continued. The only reason I survived at all was because my brother was brave enough to take a risk. But clearly, the government doesn't have the bravery of a 12-year-old child. They can't even take a risk to protect people. And then she said

something chilling. Think about that. A week from when me and my brother were rescued, we were going to move to a farm miles away from any civilization, she explains. And then she asked a question. Quote, what do you think will happen if you put two psychopaths and two already abused kids together in an isolated farm? And then she answers the question, the chilling question she just asked. Yeah, I probably would have died, but I was lucky, but not everyone is lucky. So many kids aren't lucky, but with this law, they at least have a chance. And then she ended her statement with this. Also, again, this was my idea referencing this statement. I actually support this law, and I was not told to say any of this. Please, I cannot handle another

case. So pass this law, end quote. That last sentence says, everything, a 12-year-old asking lawmakers to prevent another case like hers. Kevin Frankie has also spoken publicly about the vote. He said he felt emotional and grateful for Russell's courage, but he is also furious. He said it made him white, hot, angry that a starving 12-year-old boy had to save himself and his sister. Kevin explained that the current system operates at two extremes. Authorities can knock on a door, Or authorities can break it down once they already have proof of abuse. But that space between those two situations, those two extreme situations, is enormous.

And the gap is where children can fall through the cracks. Sherry Frankie has also spoken out. She reminded people that she tried to report concerns long before the arrests. She said, I called the police a year before my mother's arrest. I called DCFS. The police did. all the right things. DCFS did the right things, but because I had no physical evidence, despite knowledge of Jody and Ruby's personalities and past, my siblings could not be saved

before permanent damage had been done. And then she asked a question encouraging all of us to stop and listen. Why must we wait until children die until we call attention to abuse? and quote. Hearing from Russell and Eve changes the way people can see this case because now the victims themselves are telling us what went wrong. Russell had to escape a house to survive. He knows he was risking his life to do so. Eve is asking lawmakers to change the system so other kids won't have to do the same thing. She realizes she was in a house with two psychopaths, one being her own mother. She too realized. death was in her future had Russell not escaped. She confirms the woman's plans to move them

to a farm, assumably in Arizona, where Ruby and Jody had looked at property, and that there, Eve, according to Eve, would have most likely died. Whether people agree with the bill or not, one thing should be obvious and something we all agree with. No child should ever have to rescue themselves. No child should be put in a place where they are weighing the risk between escaping or facing their own death and no child should have to beg adults to fix the system after the fact. And perhaps that one thing, that one thing that we all agree on, then for even Russell's sake, we should at least learn about the bill, understand the bill, look into the bill and what it means. See if it's working in other states. Try to find out about what loopholes are active in Utah, making it easier

for abusers or check out the loopholes in the states you live. Because as of right now, the bill has failed. But advocates say the fight is not over. Kevin Frankie says he and others will continue pushing for changes to Utah's child welfare laws. And now two of the children who survive the abuse are part of that conversation, part of that fight, which may be the most powerful voices of all. because when the people who live through something like this speak, it should make all of us listen. Even Russell, I am listening. I will learn about the failed bill, and I'll continue bringing what I learn here at hidden true crime, because crime isn't just about the story, and justice isn't just about throwing the criminal behind bars. Sometimes justice is about change. It's about

acknowledging where laws and society fail the victims and where we can make changes or help other children where we can make a difference to stop another psychopath and to stop another Eve and Russell Frankie from suffering the way they did. Before I switched to Wellfront, my APY was probably 0.1. Once I switched to Ching with the Wealthfront cash account, earn up to 4.2% APY on your cash. I can trust. Wellfront is taking care of me. Make your money earn more. Get started at Wealthfront.com. Clients were paid $1,000 for their testimonials creating a conflict of interest. Howcomes Very 3.3%. Base API as of January 30th, 2026 is representative variable and earn. earned on funds swept to program banks.

0.65% new client boost for three months on up to $150,000. Direct deposit $1,000 a month and fund an investing account for a 0.25% increase. Cash account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA SIPC, not a bank. Before I switched to wealth front, my APY was probably 0.1. Like, it was a joke. I was literally getting pennies. Once I switched, chiching. With a wealthfront cash account, earn up to 4.2% APY on your cash.

The high APY with Wellfront was a clear winner. There are no petty fees. Every month, there's this much that I'm getting an interest. I didn't have to do anything. My money is working hard on its own, and I can trust Welfront is taking care of me. Earn more on your uninvested cash with a Wealthfront cash account. No account fees, no minimums, and no strings attached. Get started today at Wealthfront.com.

Clients were paid $1,000 for their testimonials creating a conflict of interest. Outcomes vary. 3.3%. Base API as of January 30th, 2026 is representative variable and earned on funds swept to program banks. 0.65% new client boosts for three months on up to $150,000. Direct deposit $1,000 a month and fund an investing account for a 0.25% increase. Cash account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC member FINRA SIPC, not a bank. These and eligibility requirements may apply to certain checking features of the cash account.