Authorities in Ohio have charged an Amish woman with two counts of aggravated murder after she admitted to throwing her 4-year-old son into Atwood Lake, claiming it was part of a spiritual test.

Ruth R. Miller, 40, of Millersburg, told investigators she believed God had instructed her to give her son, Vincen, to Him. According to Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Fisher, Miller said she threw the boy from a dock into the water, repeatedly stating she did it “to give him to God.”

The tragedy followed the death of Miller’s husband, Marcus J. Miller, 45, who drowned hours earlier while attempting to swim to an offshore sandbank in what was described as another “test of faith.” The couple’s older children—18-year-old twins and a 15-year-old daughter—were also instructed to take part in water-based trials, but they survived.

Court records show Ruth Miller faces additional charges of domestic violence related to the survival of children. According to Associated Press, she is currently undergoing treatment at a secure mental health facility and has not been arrested. Her attorney has not commented on the case.

The Millers’ church and extended family released a joint statement stressing that the events “do not reflect our teachings or beliefs but are instead a result of mental illness.” They said the couple had previously sought professional help and had ongoing support from their community.

Sheriff Orvis Campbell described the surviving children as “extremely confused,” noting their trust in their parents’ instructions. Amish communities, while traditionally non-violent, have faced criticism for handling domestic abuse and mental health problems internally rather than involving civil authorities.

The incident occurred during a family trip to Atwood Lake, which the Millers had taken in an RV to celebrate Ruth Miller’s birthday.

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With inputs from Associated Press