Investigators in Tuscarawas County are trying to piece together a tragedy that has shaken the Amish community and left two people dead, a mother in custody, and three children in the care of relatives. What began as a family camping trip to Atwood Lake ended in horror over the weekend, after authorities say religious delusion played a role in the drownings of a 45-year-old father and his 4-year-old son.

On Saturday morning witnesses reported a golf cart plunging into the lake near Atwood Marina West. On board were a 40-year-old mother, her 15-year-old daughter, and her 18-year-old twin sons. The teenagers escaped without injuries. According to rescuers on the scene, when they pulled the mother from the water she made mulitple unsettling comments about hearing the voice of God.

Soon after, investigators learned that two members of the Miller family—4-year-old Vincen and his father, Marcus—were missing. Crews began searching the area, eventually finding Vincen’s body in the lake Saturday evening. Marcus’s body was recovered the following morning, about 50 yards from a dock where he was last seen hours before.

Sheriff Orvis Campbell said the couple had been struggling with what he described as “spiritual delusion.” According to investigators, the parents believed they were carrying out tasks directed by God. Around 1 a.m. Saturday, both reportedly entered the water together. Marcus later returned alone, telling his wife he had to prove his faith. Authorities believe he intentionally drowned himself. Hours later, his wife allegedly drowned their young son before attempting to force her three older children into the lake.

“It became evident after piecing together statements from the woman, the children, and other witnesses that foul play was suspected,” Campbell said. He added that the woman “seems genuinely sincere” in believing she was commanded to act.

Authorities believe that 4-year-old Vincen was placed in the water by his mother “to give him to God,” before forcing the older children to engage in ritualistic acts, and finally, deliberately driving the golf cart into the lake. The teenagers survived. Their mother now faces aggravated murder charges.

In a statement, relatives and church leaders emphasized that the incident did not reflect their faith or community values. “The events of this past weekend do not reflect our teachings or beliefs but are instead a result of a mental illness,” the family said.

Sheriff Campbell called the case “an unusual tragedy” and noted that more than 15 agencies assisted in the search and investigation. The surviving children are now being cared for by extended family.