The Silent River: Unraveling the Disappearance of Anthony Tullius

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A Tragic Morning at the Campsite

On June 4, 2011, a family camping trip near Ellis Dam in Muskingum County, Ohio, turned into a nightmare. Two-year-old Anthony Joseph Tullius was reported missing after his parents discovered both their sons were gone from their tent. The family—Anthony, his three-year-old brother Ayden Cecil, mother Kasey Klein, and stepfather Richard Klein—had set up camp just 25 feet from the swollen banks of the Muskingum River. That night, Kasey took a prescribed Xanax to help her sleep. At some point, Anthony awoke crying, and Richard comforted him by placing the child on his chest before they both fell asleep again. When the parents awoke two hours later, the tent was unzipped, and both boys were missing.

The Search and Discovery

An immediate search ensued, involving local authorities and community volunteers. Bloodhounds tracked the children's scent for approximately 500 feet before losing the trail at the river's edge. Tragically, Ayden's body was found in the river about a mile downstream from the campsite; he had drowned. Anthony's remains were never recovered, but it is presumed he also drowned. Ayden had cerebral palsy, which affected his balance and mobility, making it unlikely he could have navigated the terrain safely. Investigators believe the boys left the tent in the early morning hours and accidentally entered the river.

Legal Proceedings and Convictions

In September 2011, Kasey and Richard Klein were charged with endangering children and involuntary manslaughter, accused of being reckless by camping so close to the river and failing to secure the tent adequately. At home, the boys' bedroom door had a lock to prevent nighttime wandering, and Richard had only secured the upper zipper of the tent door, leaving the lower zipper accessible. During their joint trial, Kasey's defense suggested Richard had intentionally drowned the boys, while Richard's defense claimed the deaths were a tragic accident. Both were convicted of first-degree felony manslaughter and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Appeals and Acquittals

In January 2013, an appellate court overturned the convictions, ruling that the couple should have been tried separately. In June 2013, Richard was acquitted at his second trial after serving 21 months. Later that month, Kasey pleaded guilty to two counts of child endangering and was sentenced to three years in prison; with credit for time served, she was released after serving an additional year.

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