TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio — An Amish woman from Millersburg, Ohio woman has been charged in the deaths of her 4-year-old son and 45-year-old husband in a tragedy authorities say was driven by “spiritual delusion.”
Ruth Miller, 40, faces two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of domestic violence and one count of child endangerment. Authorities say she admitted to throwing her son into Atwood Lake in Tuscarawas County on Saturday, claiming God told her to do so, and allegedly ordered her older children into the water to prove their faith.
Authorities identified the victims as Marcus J. Miller, 45, and the couple’s son, Vincent Miller, age 4.
Witnesses reported erratic behavior earlier in the day, including stops to pray and Ruth Miller driving a golf cart with her other three children into the lake. Those children, all teenagers, survived. Investigators say the father likely died attempting to “prove his faith” by swimming to a sandbar.
Miller remains in custody and was hospitalized for a mental health evaluation. Her three surviving children have been released to relatives. Authorities continue investigating the incident.
Fox News reported that family members and leaders of the Millers’ church said the deaths “do not reflect our teachings or beliefs and were the result of mental illness. The ministry and extended family had been supporting them through their challenges, and the family had previously sought professional help.”
