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Where Is Russell Franke Now? 7 Shocking Updates On Ruby Franke's Youngest Son And The Aftermath

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The name Franke Russell, more accurately known as Russell Franke, has become synonymous with one of the most shocking child abuse cases in the history of YouTube's "momfluencer" culture. As of December 21, 2025, the focus remains on the long-term recovery and current living situation of Russell and his siblings following the 2023 arrest and subsequent prison sentencing of their mother, Ruby Franke, and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The world is watching to see how the Franke children, who were once the stars of the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, are rebuilding their lives away from the public eye and the abusive environment that was exposed. The horrific details of the abuse, which came to light after Russell's older sister, 12-year-old R*ssell, escaped from Hildebrandt's home to seek help, led to a massive legal and social fallout. The case has since prompted legislative action in Utah to protect children of online content creators, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of the Franke family's tragedy. This article provides the most current and essential updates on Russell Franke and the ongoing legal and personal developments surrounding the Franke family.

Russell Franke: Biography and Profile Overview

Russell Franke is one of the six children of former YouTube personalities Ruby and Kevin Franke. He gained public recognition through the now-defunct family vlog channel "8 Passengers," which chronicled the family's daily life until the channel was taken down amidst controversy.

  • Full Name: Russell Donald Franke
  • Date of Birth: July 9, 2011
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 14 years old
  • Parents: Ruby Franke (Mother) and Kevin Franke (Father)
  • Siblings: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, and Eve
  • Public Association: Former star of the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel
  • Current Status: Under state custody/placement following the abuse case
  • Key Event: Victim in the high-profile 2023 child abuse case involving his mother, Ruby Franke, and Jodi Hildebrandt

The Shocking Details of the Ruby Franke Abuse Case

The entire world was rocked by the August 2023 arrest of Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, on six counts of aggravated child abuse. The investigation was triggered when Russell's older sister, R*ssell, managed to escape from a window of Hildebrandt's Ivins, Utah, home and ran to a neighbor's house, pleading for food and water.

The child was found to be severely malnourished and injured, with open wounds and duct tape wrapped around his ankles and wrists. Following the escape, authorities found Russell Franke, who was also suffering from severe malnutrition and abuse, inside the home.

The abuse, which prosecutors detailed in court, included severe malnourishment, physical injuries, and being subjected to extreme forms of emotional and psychological torment. Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony child abuse in December 2023.

The court sentenced both women in February 2024 to four consecutive prison terms, with each term ranging from one to 15 years, meaning they could each serve up to 30 years in prison. The horrific case brought an end to the "8 Passengers" empire and shone a spotlight on the dangers of exploiting children for online content.

7 Current Updates on Russell Franke and the Family's Aftermath (2025)

The legal proceedings have largely concluded, but the long-term recovery for Russell and his siblings is an ongoing process. Here are the most recent and critical updates regarding Russell Franke and the Franke family as of late 2025:

1. Russell Remains in Protective Custody

Following the rescue, Russell and his three younger siblings—Abby, Julie, and Eve—were immediately placed into the custody of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). As of late 2025, the children remain under protective placement, with their long-term care being determined by the state and their father, Kevin Franke. The immediate priority is providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for their recovery.

2. Kevin Franke Filed for Divorce

Kevin Franke, the children's father, filed for divorce from Ruby Franke in November 2023, shortly after the details of the abuse case became public. This legal separation is a critical step in providing stability for Russell and his siblings, as it severs the legal ties to the environment where the abuse occurred and allows Kevin to pursue full custody and control over the children's future.

3. The Focus is on Long-Term Trauma Recovery

The abuse Russell and his older sister endured was both physical and psychological. The current focus of their caretakers and state services is providing extensive trauma-informed care and therapy to help them process the years of neglect and abuse. This is a private and sensitive process, with minimal public details released to protect the children's privacy.

4. Sister Shari Franke is a Key Advocate

Russell's oldest sister, Shari Franke, who was already an adult and estranged from her mother at the time of the arrest, has become a vocal advocate for her younger siblings. Shari actively distanced herself from her mother's actions and the "8 Passengers" channel, providing public statements and updates that emphasize her support for Russell and the other children.

5. The "8 Passengers" Channel is Permanently Removed

The YouTube channel that brought the Franke family fame and documented their lives—often showing signs of the controversial parenting that escalated into abuse—has been permanently removed. This action signifies a complete end to the family's public-facing content creation, which is a necessary step in shielding Russell and his siblings from further exploitation.

6. Utah Passed New "Franke Bill" Legislation

In the wake of the Ruby Franke case, Utah lawmakers introduced and passed new legislation aimed at protecting child influencers. This law, sometimes referred to as the "Franke Bill," mandates that a portion of the earnings from child-created online content must be set aside in a trust for the child and gives children the right to have their content taken down.

7. Russell's Future is Strictly Private

Unlike his childhood, which was broadcast to millions, Russell's future is being carefully guarded for privacy. The children are no longer subjects of any public social media or YouTube content. The hope for Russell Franke is a future of normalcy, stability, and healing, far removed from the scrutiny and exploitation of the internet.

The Impact of the Case on Content Creation and Child Safety

The tragic story of Russell Franke and his siblings has had a profound impact beyond their immediate family. It has sparked a global conversation about the ethics of "sharenting" and the exploitation of children on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The Franke case serves as a stark warning to parents and content creators about the severe psychological and physical damage that can result from blurring the lines between family life and online performance.

The conviction of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt has sent a clear message that child abuse, regardless of a family's public profile, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. For Russell Franke, the path to recovery is long, but he is now in a safe environment, surrounded by professionals and family members dedicated to his well-being, marking a new, private chapter in his life.

Where Is Russell Franke Now? 7 Shocking Updates on Ruby Franke's Youngest Son and the Aftermath
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