NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio – A 4-year-old boy and his father drowned in Atwood Lake over the weekend in what authorities described as a tragic episode driven by “spiritual delusion.” The child’s 40-year-old mother, who is reportedly in a severe mental health crisis, is expected to face aggravated murder charges.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after a 911 call was placed on the morning of Saturday, August 23, about a golf cart that drove off a dock at Atwood Lake. What initially appeared to be an accident quickly revealed much more troubling circumstances.
The Amish family from Holmes County, visiting the lake for a planned weekend getaway, became the focus of concern after the mother — who witnesses say was acting erratically — drove the cart into the water with her 15-year-old daughter and 18-year-old twin sons onboard. All three teens escaped unharmed, but when questioned, the mother made statements that alarmed authorities.
Mother’s Confession and Delusional Claims
Sheriff Orvis Campbell confirmed that the mother told authorities she had “given her son to the Lord” by throwing him into the lake. She also claimed that God instructed her to drive the cart into the lake and to allow herself to be “swallowed by a fish.” She reportedly said she and her husband were “proving their worthiness to God.”
The family was seen huddling in emotional prayer near their rented RV shortly before the incident, prompting witnesses to contact police. After driving the golf cart into the lake, the mother reportedly told bystanders she didn’t need help — she wanted them to “pray for her.”
Recovery and Investigation
Divers recovered the body of 4-year-old Vincen Miller on Saturday, followed by the discovery of his father’s body, Marcus Miller, 45, on Sunday. The father was believed to have intentionally swum far into the lake in an act of faith. His brother told authorities Marcus was not a strong swimmer.
Court documents revealed that the mother left the boy unsupervised in the golf cart earlier that morning, returning alone. She later told her older children their brother and father had gone to heaven and instructed them to pray for their souls with their hands in the water.
Mental Health Concerns and Prior Intervention
According to Sheriff Campbell, the woman was “clearly in mental crisis” and is currently held in a locked mental health facility. Investigators found no drugs, weapons, or prior plans for harm in the family’s RV—only an open Bible. The children, raised in a deeply religious environment, expressed confusion and emotional devastation during interviews.
As per Fox8, family members had reportedly attempted a mental health intervention just days earlier, after the mother began expressing apocalyptic beliefs and interpretations of scripture that caused concern. Still, no threats of harm had been voiced.
Legal Action and Protective Custody
The mother is expected to be formally charged with aggravated murder, and possibly child endangering, according to authorities. The couple’s three teenage children are now in the custody of county child services.
Sheriff Campbell reflected on the tragedy, stating:
“This was a husband very devoted to his wife. I think they were also devoted to the Bible, and that just manifested itself incorrectly. I don’t think there’s making a lot of common sense about it. I just don’t.”
Faith, Mental Health, and Community Awareness
This incident underscores the importance of mental health awareness — especially in communities where religious beliefs may complicate early identification of psychological distress. Faith is not a substitute for mental health care, and signs of delusion, paranoia, or erratic behavior must be addressed immediately to protect all involved, particularly children.
Your voice matters. What do you think about this tragedy? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s talk about how to recognize and respond to mental health crises before they turn fatal.
