Amish woman accused in 4-year-old son’s death denied bail

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NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio (WJW) — An Ohio Amish woman accused of murder after her 4-year-old son and 45-year-old husband died was back at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse Monday afternoon for an evidentiary hearing.

Earlier this month, a grand jury indicted Ruth Miller, 40, of Millersburg, on seven counts, including aggravated murder, endangering children and domestic violence. Miller has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to those charges.

Monday’s hearing was to determine if bail should be established in Miller’s case.

Multiple law enforcement individuals took to the stand Monday to explain how they viewed Miller’s mental health at the scene and afterward while an investigation was ongoing.

After hearing nearly four hours of testimony, Common Pleas Court Judge Mike Ernest said he was denying bail and that Miller would stay in jail.

WJW photo

During a family trip to Atwood Lake, Miller allegedly threw her 4-year-old son, Vincen Miller, into the water on Aug. 23. Investigators said she was having a “spiritual delusion.”

Ruth Miller. Photo courtesy Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators said Miller’s 45-year-old husband, Marcus Miller, also entered the lake as part a religious test and also drowned.

Dive teams recovered the bodies of Marcus and Vincen Miller from the bottom of the lake.

Body camera video obtained by NewsNation affiliate WJW showed Miller speaking to officials that day. When she was asked where her son was, she said, “I gave him to God.”

Miller is currently in the custody of the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department. She is facing life in prison if convicted.

Crime

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