Millersburg woman undergoes psychiatric evaluation ahead of child’s drowning trial
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 7, 2026) — A Millersburg woman charged with murder in the drowning death of her 4‑year‑old son at Atwood Lake is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation in Cincinnati on Wednesday as part of the ongoing court process.
Ruth Miller, 40, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity after authorities said she threw her son off a dock last August and left him in the water. She was previously found competent to stand trial, which is scheduled for the first week of March.
Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Ryan Styer said the independent forensic examination is focused on determining Miller’s sanity at the time of the alleged offense. Investigators have said Miller was experiencing spiritual delusions during the incident.
The psychiatric findings will help determine how Miller’s insanity plea factors into the case as it moves toward trial.