According to a press release from the Washington County Prosecutor's Office, the accused are charged with causing or permitting serious physical harm to the victims in three different ways: 1) multiple instances of physical harm or torture, 2) life-threatening starvation or malnourishment, and 3) severe emotional harm.

Ruby and her husband Kevin have six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. Kevin's lawyer stated that his client's "main concern is to keep his children together under his paternal care." Despite the charges against Ruby, Kevin and the journalist have maintained their relationship. However, Ruby's siblings described her arrest as a "weight lifted."
