An Ohio woman is facing aggravated murder charges after authorities say she drove a golf cart into a lake with three of her children aboard, later telling police it was part of a religious mission.
Ruth R. Miller, 40, was charged Wednesday, Aug. 27, with two counts of aggravated murder, according to court records in New Philadelphia Municipal Court. The Associated Press reports the charges stem from the death of her 4-year-old son, Vincen, whom Miller allegedly admitted to throwing into Atwood Lake on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell said at a press conference that Miller told investigators she had thrown the boy into the water as an “offering to God.”
In addition to the murder charges, Miller is also facing two counts of domestic violence and one count of child endangerment. According to the AP, those charges relate to her alleged actions of driving the golf cart into the lake with three of her older children inside. The older children survived the incident, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office said.
Miller’s husband, Marcus J. Miller, 45, had drowned earlier that same day in the same lake. Sheriff Campbell said he was reportedly trying to swim to a sandbar far out in the water in what was described as another demonstration of faith.
Court records show Miller was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, but the hearing was later cancelled “until further notice.” The reason for the delay has not been made public.
It remains unclear if Miller has entered a plea or secured legal representation.
