Rotten Mango Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Ruby Franke Calls Husband From Jail “I’m A Really Good Girl” After Almost Killing 2 Of Her Kids
Host: Stephanie Soo
Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping final installment of the four-part series on Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt, host Stephanie Soo delves deep into the harrowing account of child abuse, manipulation, and the subsequent legal fallout that rocked their family and online community. This episode meticulously unpacks the events leading to the arrest of Ruby and Jody, the psychological manipulation employed, the legal proceedings, and the mixed reactions from family members and netizens alike.

The Ordeal Unfolds (00:03 - 01:30)

The episode begins with a chilling narration of Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt's daily abuse of their youngest children in a Utah cemetery. The description paints a bleak picture of the children's suffering under Ruby's control, emphasizing the psychological and physical torture inflicted upon them.

Notable Quote:
"It is not exactly where you want to spend a lot of your free time... but Ruby and Jody, they know this is all manipulation." (00:03)

Interruption and Confrontation (01:30 - 15:15)

A pivotal moment occurs when a concerned neighbor confronts Ruby and Jody, questioning their presence in a reserved indigenous cemetery. The confrontation highlights Ruby's attempts to manipulate the situation and her belief in a grander plan to "purge evil" from her children.

Notable Quote:
"We were weeding. We're picking up trash, weeds and broken glass. You can see for yourself. Leave. Get off our land." (01:31)

Following this, the narration transitions to the culmination of their actions leading to the arrest of both women. Ruby’s journal entries reveal her distorted perception of reality, attributing her abusive behavior to combating evil forces.

The Rescue Operation (15:15 - 62:59)

The narrative details the rescue of Ruby and Jody's children by law enforcement. It provides a vivid account of the children's dire physical state and the officers' efforts to ensure their safety. The episode underscores the severity of the abuse, including:

• Physical Torture: Use of duct tape, rope burns, cayenne pepper, and honey applied to wounds.
• Psychological Abuse: Forced confessions, extreme discipline without compassion, and manipulation through religious beliefs.

Notable Quote:
"They would whip the kids with towels, pour cold water on them... tied with rope, handcuffs. They would cut through the tissues." (25:28)

The detailed recounting of the children’s rescue includes graphic descriptions of their injuries and the officers' emotional reactions to the brutality they witnessed.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing (62:59 - 95:34)

Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt both plead guilty to aggravated child abuse, receiving sentences ranging from four to thirty years in prison. The episode portrays Ruby’s manipulative courtroom behavior, where she shifts blame onto Jody and expresses exaggerated remorse.

Notable Quote:
"I've chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me onto a dark... a dark delusion." (29:49)

The legal outcomes are contrasted with Ruby's continued lack of genuine remorse, as evidenced by her jailhouse calls and interactions with fellow inmates. The narrative also touches upon Kevin Franke's role, portraying him as a conflicted individual still under the influence of Ruby and Jody's manipulations.

Family and Public Reactions (95:34 - 63:06)

The episode explores the fractured family dynamics post-arrest, highlighting the divergent views of Ruby and Kevin's children. Sherry, the eldest daughter, voices her disapproval and emotional trauma, while Chad seeks to rebuild his relationship with Kevin despite ongoing tensions.

Notable Quote:
"I was in it. I believed it real, real strong... it almost killed me." (Jesse Hildebrandt)

The public's reaction is vividly depicted through netizen comments, showcasing a split in opinions:

• Blame on Ruby and Jody: Many hold both women accountable for the abuse.
• Questioning Kevin's Role: Criticism is directed at Kevin for perceived inaction and complicity.
• Speculation on Pam Botcher: A third figure, Pam Botcher, is implicated in conspiracy theories about tampering with evidence.

Notable Quote:
"Ruby has about as much empathy as a doorknob for Jody." (Netizen Comment)

Aftermath and Continuing Turmoil (63:06 - End)

The aftermath of the arrests sees ongoing legal battles, personal struggles, and attempts at healing from the surviving family members and victims. Sherry’s advocacy for protecting child influencers and influencing legislation signifies a move towards preventing similar abuses in the future.

Notable Quote:
"They turned a true victim into a make-believe predator." (Netizen Comment)

Kevin's divorce and his efforts to regain custody of the children add layers to the complex narrative, illustrating the long-term psychological impact on all involved.

Conclusion

This episode of Rotten Mango masterfully dissects the tragic story of Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt, revealing the depths of manipulation and abuse within a family vlogging context. Through detailed narration, firsthand accounts, and a multitude of perspectives, Stephanie Soo provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case's multifaceted nature and its enduring repercussions.

Call to Action:
For those seeking a deeper dive into this harrowing story, follow the previous three parts of the Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt series. Additionally, Sherry Franke's book, "The House of My Mother," offers a poignant firsthand account of the family's tumultuous journey.

Notable Quotes and Attributions:

• Ruby Franke (Journal Entry):
  "I'm committed to our family. I'm committed to you and our marriage. No matter what happens, I will be here to support you in any way that I can." (Exact timestamp not available)

• Kevin Franke (Phone Call with Ruby):
  "Where I see the facts, I see the truth." (02:30)

• Sherry Franke:
  "I think Ruby was already an abusive mother before. And then obviously it escalated dramatically in the last couple of years." (82:15)

• Jesse Hildebrandt (Jody's Niece):
  "I had to stare at them because Jody had spies everywhere." (76:50)

• Netizen Comment:
  "Ruby is facing four to 30 years in prison." (Varies throughout transcript)

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the dark intersection of online fame, psychological manipulation, and familial abuse. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential perils of exposing family dynamics to the public eye and the devastating consequences that can ensue when control falls into the wrong hands.

Stay tuned to Rotten Mango for more in-depth analyses of true crime and the psychological intricacies behind some of the world's most disturbing cases.