The Holmes County woman who drowned her son at Atwood Lake in August had a severe mental disease and did not know the wrongfulness of her actions.
That was the opinion of three mental health professionals that persuaded Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge Mike Ernest to find Ruth Miller not guilty of murder by reason of insanity at an expedited bench trial Tuesday morning.
“I am concluding, that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code, that the defendant Ruth R. Miller is not guilty by reason of insanity. I think that’s the only conclusion that can be reached in this case.”
Attorneys made no arguments, called no witness and presented no evidence. Prosecutors and defenders agreed Miller committed the crimes and that she was insane at the time.
Miller was charged with aggravated murder and four other crimes for her actions on August 23rd when sheriff’s officials say she threw her 4-year-old son into Atwood Lake and drove a golf cart with three other children into the lake. Her husband also drowned at the lake earlier that weekend when authorities say he tried to test his faith with a long-distance swim.
Miller will remain in the Tuscarawas County Jail until a placement hearing on March 13th when attorneys make recommendations, and Ernest will decide where Miller will be committed.
Assistant County Prosecutor Fred Scott said annual evaluations will determine how long she is confined.
“The next question is what is the least restrictive setting going forward, and the court will retain jurisdiction over her for the rest of her life, and we are prepared to argue, next Friday,based upon the reports we’ve seen, the least restrictive settings, in-patient, on lock down, mental health facility.”
Miller’s attorney Ian Friedman wants her to eventually be allowed to go home.
“The judge will have the opportunity to review how she’s doing, kind of her progress throughout, and can change, modify the settings and type of treatment she’s getting until eventually it’s determined the rightful place for her is at home with her family.”
The case has drawn national attention, with TV cameras lining the courtroom gallery.
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