Ohio Woman Charged with Killing Son in Alleged Faith Test

An Amish woman from Ohio has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder following the death of her 4-year-old son, Vincen. Authorities allege that Ruth R. Miller, 40, threw her son into Atwood Lake as part of a misguided spiritual test. The incident occurred early on the morning of March 30, 2024, prompting a significant law enforcement response.

During interviews with investigators from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Miller claimed she believed she was acting under divine direction when she allegedly cast her son into the water. Captain Adam Fisher, the lead investigator, noted that she repeatedly stated her intention was to “give him to God.” Fisher remarked that Miller did not seem to grasp the severity of her actions.

Tragically, the incident follows the apparent drowning of Marcus J. Miller, 45, Ruth’s husband, who had reportedly attempted to swim to a sandbank as part of a similar faith test just hours before. Sheriff Orvis Campbell revealed that the couple’s three other children—two 18-year-old twin boys and a 15-year-old girl—also performed water-based trials but survived.

Online court records from the New Philadelphia Municipal Court indicate that Ruth Miller faces additional charges of domestic violence and child endangerment concerning her older children. By late Wednesday afternoon, she remained in treatment at a secure mental health facility and had not yet been formally arrested.

Family members and the Millers’ church issued a statement expressing that the tragic events do not reflect their teachings. They emphasized that these occurrences stem from a mental health crisis and that the family had previously sought professional assistance.

According to Campbell, Ruth Miller also told investigators she believed she could walk on water. When she attempted this off the dock, she fell into the lake. The series of events began when Ruth was reported driving a golf cart at high speed into a stone wall on the lakeshore, with her three older children on board. While they survived, she instructed rescuers to “just pray for her” when they attempted to help.

Park rangers reported hearing concerning statements from Miller, including that she had given her son to the Lord. Authorities later learned that both her husband and son were missing. As search efforts intensified, divers located Vincen’s body approximately 10 feet from the dock, while Marcus was found early the next morning, about 53 yards (48 meters) away.

The coroner is conducting autopsies to determine the causes of death for both Marcus and Vincen. Sheriff Campbell noted that the surviving children are “extremely confused” and distressed, having been raised in an environment where they were taught to accept their parents’ directives without question.

The Amish community, known for its non-violent beliefs, has faced scrutiny regarding instances of domestic violence and mental health challenges. Advocates for victims within the Amish community argue that while church leaders have recognized the need for change, more action is required to address these issues as crimes rather than solely matters of church discipline.

Mental health awareness within Amish communities varies, with some families opting for lay counselors or unlicensed religious treatment centers instead of professional help. The Miller family resided in Holmes County, Ohio, which has a significant Amish population. They had traveled to Atwood Lake for a getaway, coinciding with Ruth Miller’s birthday.

The investigation into this tragic event continues as authorities seek to understand the full circumstances surrounding the deaths of Marcus and Vincen Miller.