A quiet weekend in rural Ohio turned into a devastating tragedy when an Amish mother allegedly drowned her four-year-old son, claiming she was “giving him to God.”
The shocking events unfolded at Atwood Lake in Tuscarawas County, leaving a family and community reeling.
Disturbing Confession Captured on Body Camera
Ruth Miller, 40, was arrested following the drowning death of her son, Vincen Miller, on August 23.
Body camera footage shows Ruth openly admitting to deputies, “I gave him to God. I threw him into the lake and gave him to God.”
Her words, filled with religious conviction, left authorities stunned as she spoke of miracles and divine instructions.
Husband’s Death Raises More Questions
Earlier that morning, Ruth’s husband, Marcus Miller, 45, was found dead.
He had reportedly attempted a ritualistic test of faith by swimming out into the lake, which he believed would demonstrate his worthiness to God.
Authorities do not suspect Marcus was involved in his son’s death, and investigators believe his drowning was accidental.
Chaos at the Campsite
Deputies were dispatched after a golf cart carrying Ruth and three of her children crashed into the water near the end of a boat dock.
Two of her adult sons and her daughter survived the collision, but the horror escalated when Ruth admitted her actions to authorities.
She also claimed her husband had been swallowed by a fish and insisted deputies search the lake, reflecting the “spiritual disillusion” she was experiencing.
Alleged Ritualistic Behavior
Investigators revealed that Ruth and Marcus believed God had instructed them to perform ritualistic tasks to prove their faith.
Sheriff Orvis Campbell described some of these behaviors as “bizarre,” including swimming exercises and even the notion of being swallowed by a fish.
These acts were tied to the couple’s perception of divine tests, though authorities emphasized the tragic consequences.
The Fate of the Children
While Vincen tragically drowned, Ruth allegedly forced her other children—a 15-year-old daughter and 18-year-old twin sons—into the lake at various points over the weekend.
The teens managed to escape unharmed and have been released to other family members.
Investigators describe the siblings as “devastated” by the events.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Considerations
Ruth Miller has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, child endangerment, and three counts of domestic violence by reason of insanity.
Her defense attorney, Ian Friedman, argued that a severe mental illness prevented her from understanding the wrongfulness of her actions, describing the situation as a tragic consequence of her condition.
Autopsies and Investigation Details
The Tuscarawas County coroner will conduct autopsies to determine the exact cause of death for Vincen and Marcus.
Authorities found no weapons or evidence of drugs at the campsite, but an open Bible was discovered, reflecting the religious context of the family’s beliefs.
Ruth was initially hospitalized in a mental health institution before being transferred to Tuscarawas County Jail, where she will remain until a bail hearing is scheduled.
Church and Family Respond
The Old Order Amish Church and the Miller family released a statement clarifying that the couple’s actions did not reflect the church’s teachings.
They said the couple had been misinterpreting scripture and noted that both had previously received professional help.
The church praised law enforcement for their response and emphasized its focus on supporting the family affected by the tragedy.