An Amish woman accused of throwing her 4-year-old son into Atwood Lake and later driving a golf cart with her three teenage children into the water was ordered held without bail Monday after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.
Courtroom Proceedings
Ruth A. Miller, 40, was arraigned in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court on a seven-count indictment that includes aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, child endangerment and three counts of domestic violence.
“The grand jury has found probable cause to believe Ms. Miller caused the death of a child under the age of 13,” Judge Michael Ernest said while reviewing the most serious charge.
Defense attorney Ian Friedman entered the plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, arguing Miller was in the grip of a serious mental illness at the time of the incident.
Bail Denial and No-Contact Order
Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Ryan Styer asked the court to deny bail, citing the severity of the charges and public safety concerns. “Given the nature of the allegations, the state is requesting Ms. Miller remain in custody pending trial and that a no-contact order be issued with the surviving victims,” Styer told the court.
Friedman did not oppose the no-contact order. Judge Ernest ruled that Miller will remain in jail without bail until an evidentiary hearing Sept. 25.
Attorney’s Remarks After Court
Speaking outside the courthouse, Friedman said Miller is devastated by the events of Aug. 23 and the loss of her child. “This tragedy would not have occurred but for a serious mental disease,” he said. “It is crushing to her. The magnitude of what happened will take time for her to fully comprehend.”
He added that Miller’s family and Amish community are supporting her. “They see her as a victim of a severe mental health episode, not as someone who intentionally set out to harm her child,” Friedman said.
Friedman emphasized that if Miller is found not guilty by reason of insanity, she would not be freed outright but instead held in a secure psychiatric facility until rehabilitation. “There’s a misconception that someone found not guilty by reason of insanity walks away,” he said. “That is not the case.”
Background of the Case
Authorities say the incident unfolded Aug. 23 at Atwood Lake. Investigators allege Miller threw her 4-year-old son, Vincen, into the water, where he drowned. Later that morning, she drove a golf cart carrying her three teenage children into the lake; they escaped unharmed.
Her husband, Marcus, also drowned that day while attempting to swim to a sandbar during what investigators described as a “spiritual delusion.” His body was recovered the same morning; Vincen’s was found later that evening.
What’s Next
The Sept. 25 evidentiary hearing will address the state’s motion to deny bail and finalize the no-contact order. Friedman said he expects testimony from family members, law enforcement and mental health experts. If convicted, Miller faces life in prison without parole.
