Ruby Franke's Sisters Speak Out After She's Arrested on Child Abuse Charges: This 'Needed to Happen'

Ruby Franke‘s family are breaking their silence about her arrest.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the 8 Passengers creator had been arrested and charged with two counts of child abuse. She and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt were taken into custody after a neighbor called about a child who came to their house looking for food and water.

Ruby‘s sisters Elle Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein and Julie Deru released a joint statement on their respective Instagram accounts on Thursday (August 31) in response to the news.

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“For the last 3 years we have kept quiet on the subject of Ruby Franke for the sake of her children,” they wrote, per E! News. “Behind the public scene, we have done everything to try and make sure the kids were safe. We wouldn’t feel right about moving forward with regular content without addressing the most recent events. Once we do, we will not be commenting on it any further.”

They added, “Ruby was arrested which needed to happen. Jodi was arrested which needed to happen. The kids are now safe, which is the number one priority.”

Local outlet Fox 13 reports that a child was seen climbing out of Jodi‘s window and then ran to a neighbor’s house to get help and asked for food and water. The neighbor noticed that the kid had duct tape on their ankles and wrists, at which point they called the police.

The child was subsequently taken to a hospital where they were treated for “severe” wounds and malnourishment. According to officials, a second child was found in the same residence “in similar physical condition of malnourishment” and was also taken to the hospital.

Ruby‘s oldest daughter, Shari, also released a statement about her mother’s arrest. Find out what she said here.