The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke | Guilty as Sin | 7
The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke
Deep Dive
What specific physical and psychological abuses did Russell and Eve suffer under Ruby and Jodi's care?
Russell and Eve were subjected to severe physical and psychological abuses, including forced physical labor, isolation, denial of food and water, and psychological manipulation. Russell was forced to do tasks like wall sits, carry heavy boxes, and work outside in extreme heat without shoes. He suffered from sunburns, blisters, and dehydration. Eve was forced to jump into cacti multiple times, run barefoot on dirt roads, and was also isolated and denied basic needs. Both were told they were evil and needed to repent, and that the abuse was an act of love.
Why did Jesse Hildebrandt, Jodi's niece, come forward with her own abuse story?
Jesse Hildebrandt came forward because she recognized the similarities between her own experiences and the abuse detailed in the charges against Ruby and Jodi. She had suffered similar psychological and physical abuse while living with Jodi, including isolation, physical labor, and being forced to sleep outside in the snow. Jesse felt vindicated and hoped her story would bring attention to the long-term effects of such abuse.
What legal defenses might Jodi Hildebrandt have used in her trial, and why did she ultimately plead guilty?
Jodi Hildebrandt could have used the defense of appropriate parenting or argued that her actions were not intentional but reckless. However, with Ruby's guilty plea and her willingness to testify against Jodi, the case against her became much stronger. Facing the likelihood of a harsh sentence, Jodi chose to plead guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse to potentially receive a lesser sentence.
What are the potential prison sentences for Ruby and Jodi, and how are they calculated?
In Utah, each second-degree felony carries a 1-15 year prison term. For Ruby and Jodi, with four counts each, the maximum consecutive sentence is 30 years. The actual sentence will be determined by the Utah sentencing guidelines, which recommend a specific time for each count. If the sentences are consecutive, they will serve 18 months for the first count and 40% of 18 months for each subsequent count. Their first review by the parole board could be around the 40-month mark.
How did the Mormon faith-based community respond to the charges against Ruby and Jodi?
The Mormon faith-based community, which had previously held Jodi in high regard, remained largely silent about the charges. They typically handle such matters quietly to avoid drawing public attention, often excommunicating individuals without public statements. As of now, there has been no official response from the church regarding Ruby and Jodi.
What are the long-term impacts of the abuse on Jesse Hildebrandt and the Franke children?
The abuse has had profound long-term impacts on both Jesse Hildebrandt and the Franke children. Jesse suffers from complex PTSD, affecting her ability to form relationships, hold jobs, and maintain friendships. The Franke children, particularly Russell and Eve, are likely to experience similar long-term psychological effects, including trauma, trust issues, and a distorted sense of self-worth. Their path to healing will be long and challenging.
- Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.
- The abuse involved physical torture, including binding, deprivation of food and water, and forced labor in extreme heat.
- Both Russell and Eve suffered similar abuse, including psychological manipulation designed to make them believe they were evil and deserved punishment.
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