The highly anticipated bail hearing for YouTubers Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, facing charges of aggravated child abuse, was postponed today at the Washington County Courthouse in St. George, Utah. This unexpected delay is attributed to the overwhelming volume of evidence that needs to be examined.
“Copious Amounts of Evidence” Delay Case Proceedings
The legal proceedings in the child abuse case against YouTubers Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, have hit a snag. Their scheduled bail hearing, which was to take place at the Washington County Courthouse in St. George, Utah, was postponed just hours before it was set to begin.
According to officials, the sheer volume of evidence in this case is the reason for the delay. Douglas Terry, Hildebrandt’s attorney, confirmed this, stating that the postponement was due to the “copious amounts of evidence” that need to be thoroughly reviewed.
Initial Hearing Objectives Remain Unmet
The initial hearing was intended to address several key aspects of the case. Primarily, Judge John Walton was to determine the eligibility of Franke and Hildebrandt for bail. Had bail been set and subsequently posted, both women could have been released as early as today.
Furthermore, the hearing aimed to establish a date for a preliminary hearing, which would assess the existence of probable cause to proceed with the case. However, there were indications that the prosecution might request more time, further complicating the matter.
Public Interest in the Case Remains High
The postponement of the hearing comes as a disappointment to many, particularly those who have been closely following the case. The story of Franke and Hildebrandt, once known for their parenting advice channel “8 Passengers”, has captivated the public since the arrest three weeks ago.
The incident that sparked the investigation occurred when Franke’s malnourished 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s home, seeking help from neighbors. This alarming event unveiled a disturbing pattern of alleged child abuse, leading to the arrest of both women on six counts each of aggravated child abuse.
Despite the postponement, public interest in the case remains palpable. Local residents, many of whom followed Franke and Hildebrandt’s online activities, were present at the courthouse, eager to witness the legal proceedings firsthand.
What’s Next for Franke and Hildebrandt?
As of now, no new hearing date has been officially scheduled. However, the filed motion suggests that the next hearing will take place after October 5th. This delay, while frustrating for those seeking swift justice, underscores the complexity of the case and the need for a thorough examination of all available evidence.
Franke and Hildebrandt remain in custody at the Washington County Jail. Their legal teams are expected to continue preparing their defense strategies as they await the rescheduled hearing.
FAQs
Q: Why was the bail hearing for Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt postponed?
A: The hearing was postponed due to the “copious amounts of evidence” that need to be reviewed, according to Jodi Hildebrandt’s attorney.
Q: When is the new hearing date?
A: As of now, a new date has not been set, but it is expected to be after October 5th.
Q: Are Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt still in jail?
A: Yes, they remain in custody at the Washington County Jail.
Stay Informed
The Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt case continues to unfold, with new information emerging. Stay tuned for updates and further developments as this complex legal battle progresses.