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
25 best electronic gifts for teens and tweens 2025: From the latest tech to must-have gadgets, including strip lights and AirPods

Top 25 Tech-Savvy Gifts for Teens & Tweens in 2025: Essential Gadgets from Strip Lights to AirPods

Disclosure: Localish participates in various affiliate marketing schemes and may receive a…
Feds arrest two additional suspects in thwarted ISIS-inspired Halloween plot: source

Federal authorities apprehend two more individuals linked to foiled ISIS-inspired Halloween plot, source reveals

In a significant development linked to a disrupted Halloween terror plot, federal…
Mamdani wins: Here are 5 reasons why

Discover the Top 5 Reasons Behind Mamdani’s Victory

NEW YORK (The Hill) In a stunning turn of events, Zohran Mamdani…
Boy, 15, kills classmate, 16, after hallway bump and dispute, cops say

Teen Tragedy: Hallway Dispute Turns Deadly for High School Students

In Florida, a tragic incident unfolded when a high school student fatally…
Government shutdown becomes the longest on record as fallout spreads nationwide

Historic Government Shutdown Breaks Record: Nationwide Impact Intensifies as Crisis Unfolds

The ongoing government shutdown has now reached its 36th day, setting a…
Charlie Kirk’s daughter asks for 'daddy' months after his murder, Erika Kirk says

Heartbreaking Plea: Charlie Kirk’s Daughter Longs for ‘Daddy’ Months After His Tragic Murder

In a poignant revelation, Erika Kirk shared that her young daughter continues…
Who went home on 'Dancing with the Stars'? Another surprise elimination on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night

Shocking ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Exit: Who Was Sent Home on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night?

In Los Angeles, “Dancing with the Stars” dedicated a special evening to…
UPS plane crash and explosion leaves 9 dead and others missing in Kentucky

Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Kentucky Claims 9 Lives, Several Missing in Fiery Explosion

Authorities continue their search for additional victims following a tragic UPS cargo…