TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio — A Tuscarawas County courtroom is set to address the case of Ruth Miller, a 40-year-old Millersville woman charged with aggravated murder in the drowning death of her four-year-old son at Atwood Lake last summer.
Miller’s bench trial begins today. She waived her right to a jury trial. Judge Michael J. Ernest will determine the outcome of the case.
Miller has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Her defense attorney argues the homicide occurred as a result of severe mental illness.
Judge Ernest is expected to review three separate psychiatric evaluations and could rule as soon as today on whether Miller will be ordered to undergo court-monitored mental health treatment.
The case stems from the alleged drowning of four-year-old Vincen at Atwood Lake, which led to Miller’s arrest and subsequent indictment on the aggravated murder charge.
The family lived in Holmes County and were visiting Atwood Lake the weekend of Aug. 23.
Miller’s husband, Marcus Miller, 45, also drowned in the lake after the couple allegedly performed religious rituals to prove their faith as part of what authorities called a “spiritual delusion.” Authorities determined Marcus Miller’s drowning death was accidental.
Miller’s three older children were able to escape the lake after Miller allegedly drove a golf cart carrying them into the water. She faces child endangerment and domestic violence charges in relation to that incident.
Miller has been incarcerated in the Tuscarawas County Jail since 2025 following her release from a mental health facility. In November, she was declared competent to stand trial.
Further proceedings will depend on the court’s findings regarding her mental competency and criminal responsibility.
