Tragic Death of Pastor’s Estranged Wife Raises Questions and Sparks Investigation

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The tragic death of Mica Miller, the estranged wife of former Pastor John-Paul Miller, has left many questions unanswered and sparked calls for a thorough investigation. Mica Miller, 30, was found dead on April 27 at Lumber River State Park in Lumberton, North Carolina. Her death was ruled a suicide by officials, but her family remains unconvinced and is urging authorities to reexamine the case.
In an exclusive interview with NewsNation’s Rich McHugh, John-Paul Miller discussed the months leading up to his wife's death and the intense public scrutiny that followed. He revealed his efforts to persuade Mica to take lithium for her mental health struggles and to stay with him. "Now that some of the emotion has died down in the world and with people that are led by their feelings, they deserve to hear some logic and some truth and make their own assessment," he stated.
On the day of her death, Mica Miller drove alone to a pawn shop, purchased a gun and ammunition, then made another stop at a gas station before heading to Lumber River State Park. There, she dialed 911 and informed the operator of her intention to die by suicide and where her body could be found. Police arrived within ten minutes and discovered her body. “I didn’t think it was real,” John-Paul Miller said. “I thought her family had made it up and had somebody call me and say that. So that’s one big thing. I didn’t think it was real. When I found that it was real … You don’t want to say I told you so because it’s a horrible thing.”
Court documents reveal a tumultuous relationship between Mica and John-Paul Miller, marked by allegations of abuse. Mica accused her husband of stealing her car, installing a tracking device, hospitalizing her against her will, and grooming her since she was 10 years old. In an email obtained by NewsNation, John-Paul Miller apologized for posting a topless photo of Mica online. “I’m sorry for putting a picture of you on the internet,” he wrote.
Nine days after receiving the email, Mica Miller sent an affidavit to her attorney, detailing the abuse she had suffered since their marriage. “Since the day we became husband and wife, I have been abused in every way I can think of. Emotionally, sexually, spiritually, financially, and physically,” she wrote. She also accused John-Paul Miller of "showing up in person around town" and putting tracking devices on her car.
The former pastor acknowledged writing the apology email but claimed not everything in it was true. He asserted that Mica had demanded $10,000 and an apology letter in exchange for taking her medication and coming home. “It got to the point where she says, ‘You know what? I’ll take my medicine and I’ll come home if you’ll give me $10,000 and if you’ll write me an apology letter,’” he said.
Mica Miller's family and friends described a different scenario, alleging that John-Paul Miller felt like "he owned her" and exhibited patterns of abuse and violence. Sierra Francis, Mica's sister, stated in an affidavit that Mica had expressed fear for her life, saying, "If I end up with a bullet in my head, it was JP."
Despite these allegations, John-Paul Miller maintained that his wife was safe, healthy, and happy when with him. He recalled instances where Mica expressed suicidal thoughts and his efforts to ensure she received medical help.
Following Mica's death, John-Paul Miller announced her passing during a sermon, attributing her death to mental illness and asking his congregation not to discuss it within the church. Reports indicate that Mica had filed for divorce multiple times and had posted a video on Facebook weeks before her death, offering advice to those in abusive relationships.
When Mica Miller's death was ruled a suicide, John-Paul Miller did not question the investigators' findings, believing there was no other plausible explanation. “My Lord, let my wife be at peace. She’s in heaven,” he said. “She’s not worrying about all this stuff … she had suicidal tendencies over and over, year after year — off medication especially.”
As the investigation continues, Mica Miller's family and friends hope for a thorough review to uncover the truth behind her tragic death.
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