The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke | August 30, 2023 | 6
The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke
Deep Dive
Why did Russell Franke seek help from a neighbor on August 30, 2023?
Russell Franke, severely malnourished and bound with duct tape, escaped from his abusive home in Ivins, Utah, and sought help from a neighbor. He had trekked over hot red sand and made his way to the neighbor's house, where he rang the doorbell and asked the neighbor to call the police.
Why did the 911 dispatcher send police and paramedics to the neighbor's house?
The 911 dispatcher sent police and paramedics to the neighbor's house after receiving a call from a man who found a barefoot and injured young boy, Russell Franke, at his door. The boy had duct tape around his ankles and wrists and was severely malnourished, indicating severe abuse.
Why was Eve, Russell's sister, hesitant to go to the hospital?
Eve, Russell's 10-year-old sister, was hesitant to go to the hospital because she had been brainwashed by her mother, Ruby Franke, and Jodi Hildebrandt to believe that she deserved the abuse and that seeking help from strangers would lead to further punishment. This made her extremely scared and resistant to medical help.
Why did law enforcement need a warrant to search Jodi Hildebrandt's home?
Law enforcement needed a warrant to search Jodi Hildebrandt's home because it was a large, palatial property that resembled an impenetrable fortress. The high stakes and urgency of the situation led a judge to approve the warrant in under five minutes, allowing officers to begin their search for evidence of child abuse.
Why were the remaining children found in American Fork?
The remaining children were found in American Fork because Ruby Franke had called her friend, Pam Botcher, and asked her to take care of the children while she dealt with a family emergency. Pam, who was confused and unaware of the severity of the situation, agreed and took the children to her home.
Why did Kevin Franke drive 250 miles to southern Utah?
Kevin Franke, the children's father, drove 250 miles to southern Utah after receiving an urgent message from Ruby Franke about a family emergency. He was in a state of panic and wanted to find and take his children to safety, but upon arrival, he was prevented from doing so as the situation had become an active investigation.
Why did Ruby Franke plead guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse?
Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse as part of a plea deal. She agreed to testify against Jodi Hildebrandt in exchange for the state dismissing two other counts of child abuse and the prosecutor's office remaining neutral regarding future hearings before the Utah Board of Pardons.
Why did Jodi Hildebrandt's behavior in court raise questions?
Jodi Hildebrandt's behavior in court raised questions because she appeared stoic and almost lost, possibly not fully understanding the gravity of her actions. Her lack of remorse and her continued resistance to admitting fault suggested that she was trying to mitigate her punishment, which puzzled many observers.
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