Amish Woman Kills 4-Year-Old Son by Throwing Him into Ohio Lake
An Amish woman from Millersburg, Ohio, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder after authorities said she threw her 4-year-old son into Atwood Lake in what she described as a test of faith.
Officials said Ruth R. Miller, 40, told investigators she believed she was acting under God’s direction when she threw her son, Vincen, into the water early Saturday. Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Fisher said Miller repeatedly told investigators she gave the boy to God by pushing him off the dock.
Her husband, Marcus Miller, 45, had drowned hours earlier while attempting his own “trial of faith,” according to Sheriff Orvis Campbell. Their three older children, a 15-year-old daughter and 18-year-old twin sons, were also directed to attempt water-based trials but survived.
Ruth Miller now also faces charges of domestic violence and child endangerment related to the older children. Authorities said she is receiving treatment at a secure mental health facility.
Family members and the Millers’ church said the tragedy was the result of mental illness and did not reflect Amish teachings. Investigators noted that the surviving children were deeply confused, having been told to obey their parents without question.
Divers recovered Vincen’s body near the dock late Saturday and Marcus Miller’s body early Sunday. Both had apparently died before authorities were alerted.
While the case has shocked the community, it also underscores a fundamental truth: every child has the right to life, survival, and protection from harm. Safeguarding these rights must remain a priority.
