Please note, this article contains details of death and potential suicide, which some may find distressing.
A tragic incident occurred in Ohio involving the alleged drowning of a four-year-old boy by his mother, followed by the death of the father.
The Amish family had been camping at Atwood Lake prior to the deaths of Marcus J. Miller, 45, and his son Vincent Miller, aged four.
The 40-year-old mother has been hospitalized for mental health reasons and is expected to face charges of aggravated murder later today.
The family also includes a 15-year-old daughter and 18-year-old twin sons, who remain unharmed.
Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell stated that ‘spiritual delusion’ was a contributing factor in the deaths. Autopsies are planned to establish the exact causes.
The heartbreaking events unfolded over the weekend, with sources close to the family stating: “The recent events do not reflect the loving and caring family they were always known to be.”
Authorities report that around 1am on Saturday, the couple believed they were receiving divine instructions and jumped into the water from the dock.
It is alleged that the couple thought they were demonstrating their faith through their actions.
Although both managed to return to the campsite, Marcus Miller expressed a desire to return to the lake and was reportedly seen there at 6:30am by a witness.
Later, around 8:30am, another witness observed the mother with the four-year-old boy in a golf cart, driving in a reckless manner.
She later confessed to deputies about returning to the dock and drowning Vincent, as well as forcing her older children into the lake separately.
At approximately 10:30am, it is alleged that she drove the golf cart into the lake with her older children onboard.
Thankfully, the teenage girl and her twin brothers managed to escape the water safely.
Authorities were alerted following the golf cart incident.
First responders noted that the mother was making ‘concerning statements’ and claimed she placed her youngest son in the water to ‘give him to God’ before attempting to flee and hide.
The bodies of both the man and child were discovered subsequently.
Vincent’s body was recovered around 6pm, while Marcus’ body was not found until 8:30am Sunday, located 50 yards from the dock, with the aid of sonar equipment.
Divers were required to retrieve Marcus Miller’s body.
The surviving children are now under the care of other family members.
The family’s relatives and church community issued a statement: “The events of this past weekend do not reflect our teachings or beliefs but are instead a result of a mental illness.”
“The ministry and extended family had been walking with them through their challenges, and they had also received professional help in the past,” they added.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, support is available through Mental Health America. You can reach a 24-hour crisis center via call or text at 988, or webchat at 988lifeline.org. The Crisis Text Line can also be reached by texting MHA to 741741.