Ruby Franke’s journey has taken a dramatic turn over the past few years, with her parents expressing deep concern about her well-being. Chad and Jennifer Griffiths stated that they felt their daughter was “unrecognizable” since the summer of 2020. In a letter to the judge, they described brief interactions with Ruby during which she accused them of various things, suggesting she was heavily influenced and “delusional.”
Ruby, a mother of six and a former influencer with millions of followers, faced legal trouble when she was arrested in August 2023 on six counts of felony child abuse. This came after her 12-year-old son escaped from a home where a therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, was living and sought help from a neighbor. Hildebrandt was also arrested on similar charges.
In December 2023, Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, with two remaining counts dropped as part of the deal. Her lawyers asserted that Hildebrandt had a significant impact on Ruby’s judgment and behavior, which led to the abusive conduct.
Both Ruby and Hildebrandt were sentenced to four consecutive 15-year terms in prison, though due to Utah law, they will not serve more than 30 years. While Ruby’s husband and older children have spoken out about their family’s situation, her parents opted for a more subdued approach, not attending the sentencing but instead sending a letter expressing their hopes for mercy.
Currently, Chad and Jennifer Griffiths maintain a YouTube channel and are missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had previously left for a two-year mission in Serbia and have five children along with many grandchildren. Ruby’s siblings have also made statements, emphasizing their efforts to protect the children involved and expressing their relief that Ruby’s arrest occurred.
The Griffiths have shared limited updates since the trial. They have not posted on their YouTube channel since August 2023, but Jennifer returned to social media in July 2024 to share family moments. In her posts, she reflected on their long-lasting commitment to each other and the struggles they have faced, emphasizing their bond as a couple.
