Judge denies bail for mother accused of drowning her child at Atwood
NEW PHILADELPHIA – The Amish mother accused of drowning her 4-year-old son at Atwood Lake on Aug. 23 will remain in jail after a judge denied her attorney’s request for bail.
Judge Michael Ernest at a hearing Monday said 40-year-old Ruth Miller will stay in the Tuscarawas County Jail. Sheriff’s officials say she told them she threw her son into the lake as an offering to God.
“You listened in this case to what you believed God was telling you to do…and that does not leave me assured that you will follow my conditions,” Ernest said. “For that reason I’m going to deny bail in this case.”
Ernest made his decision after a four-hour bail hearing that played out more like a jury trial, with witness testimony, cross examinations and objections from attorneys.
“The tension in the room, the cameras, the people that are here – this is not your trial,” Ernest told Miller. “It looks and feels like it’s supposed to be a trial.”
Miller has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. She was indicted in early September on seven counts, including aggravated murder.
Miller’s attorney Ian Friedman had asked the judge to set bail that would allow his client to be released first to an inpatient treatment facility then to a family member’s home under house arrest when she’s well enough. Styer said he was open to reconsidering bail if he’s convinced there’s a facility where Miller would be safe from harming herself or others.
“I’m open to that idea, I simply know nothing about that idea at this time other than it was floated at the very end of the hearing,” Ernest said.
At Monday’s hearing, Park Ranger Richard Anderson, Sheriff Orvis Campbell and Detective Captain Adam Fisher provided detailed descriptions of the events of Aug. 23.
Miller listened quietly and silently cried when Fisher testified about how her other children have been traumatized and how her daughter told Fisher, “she’s a good mom. She didn’t mean to do it.”
Miller also faces charges related to driving a golf cart into the lake with her three teenage children as passengers. They were not hurt.
Ernest said he would not stop Miller from contacting her other children. Styer had asked for a no-contact order.