Atwood Lake deaths of Amish father, 4-year-old child preceded by 'spiritual delusion,' said sheriff
Share and Follow

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio (WJW) — An Amish woman has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder following the deaths of her 4-year-old son and 45-year-old husband.

According to the Tuscarawas County sheriff, Ruth Miller, 40, of Millersburg, Ohio, visited Atwood Lake with her family on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Initial reports indicated the woman had thrown her 4-year-old son, Vincen Miller, into the lake. Her 45-year-old husband was also reported missing. Divers recovered the boy’s body on Saturday and the body of the father, Marcus Miller, on Sunday.

Tuscarawas County Coroner Dr. Jeff Cameron on Monday said the cause and manner of death for both the boy and the father were still pending autopsies by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Sheriff Orvis Campbell told reporters on Monday that the mother told investigators she had “given her son to the Lord” by throwing him into the lake.

Authorities said they believe the woman was experiencing a “spiritual delusion” throughout an unusual chain of events, which ended with her crashing a golf cart into the water with her 15-year-old daughter and twin 18-year-old sons on board.

Photo courtesy Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office

Other charges include two counts of domestic violence and one count of endangering children.

The family is part of the Old Order Amish Church, investigators determined.

On Tuesday, Campbell said Miller was in a locked mental health facility. According to court records, she is set to appear in New Philadelphia Municipal Court for arraignment on Thursday.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump aloof as lawmakers fear protracted shutdown

Trump Remains Distant Amidst Lawmakers’ Concerns Over Extended Shutdown

President Trump, whom Democrats say is the only Republican leader who can…
Is 'Hocus Pocus 3' happening? Here's the latest we know

Is ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ in the Works? Here’s Everything We Know

Midler’s posts began Oct. 1 and feature references to the cult classic…
Trump says US hit another boat off Venezuela coast on Saturday

Trump Claims US Forces Targeted Another Vessel Near Venezuela Over the Weekend

U.S. forces hit another vessel allegedly carrying illegal drugs off the coast…
The Latest: National Guard deploys as ICE uses increasingly combative tactics in US cities

Breaking News: National Guard Deployed in Response to Aggressive ICE Tactics in U.S. Cities

Republican and Democratic lawmakers showed few signs of meaningful negotiations on reopening…
Portland police sergeant appears to criticize assault victims for antagonizing anti-ICE protesters

Portland police sergeant appears to criticize assault victims for antagonizing anti-ICE protesters

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An email from a…
Polk County deputy returns after shooting injury recovery

Polk County Deputy Resumes Duty Following Recovery from Shooting Injury

“Even though it’s not all the way there, I’m glad to be…
National Guard Chicago news: Pentagon authorizes federal troops, Illinois official say; similar plan in Portland, Oregon blocked

Pentagon Approves Federal Troops Deployment to Chicago; Plan for Portland, Oregon Denied

CHICAGO — President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 300 Illinois National…
Tyrese Gibson booked into Georgia jail and released on bond following cruelty to animal charge

Tyrese Gibson Arrested in Georgia for Animal Cruelty, Released on Bond

Authorities say Gibson’s Cane Corso dogs killed his neighbor’s small dog in…