Formal charges have been filed against a Millersburg woman in connection with a tragic incident at Atwood Lake that left her husband and young son dead, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.
Deputies and Atwood Rangers responded around 10:39 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, after reports that a woman and three children crashed a golf cart into Atwood Lake near Atwood Marina West.
Initial reports indicated the woman was following “directives from God” and had thrown her 4-year-old son into the water. Her 45-year-old husband was also reported missing. After extensive searches, authorities located both the child and the man deceased at the bottom of the lake.
Following a joint investigation by the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, 40-year-old Ruth Miller of Millersburg was charged with:
Two counts of aggravated murder, unclassified felony Two counts of domestic violence, first-degree misdemeanor One count of endangering children, first-degree misdemeanor
Authorities have not released additional details regarding Miller’s custody status or future court appearances.
