5 things to know in John-Paul Miller’s federal case involving late wife Mica Miller
Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller will appear in federal court Monday for an arraignment on charges involving his late wife, Mica Miller.
Miller faces up to seven years in prison and significant fines if convicted.
Here are five things to know about the case that has gained national attention and prompted the #justiceforMica after her suicide following years of alleged abuse by her estranged husband.
Federal indictment of John-Paul Miller
Miller has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators, related to his conduct toward his estranged wife, Mica Miller, prior to her death.
Circumstances of Mica Miller’s death
On April 27, 2024, Mica Miller died by suicide in Lumber River State Park, North Carolina. Surveillance footage showed her purchasing a firearm and ammunition in Myrtle Beach earlier that day. She called 911 herself before her death, and her death was ultimately ruled a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Allegations of harassment and abuse
The indictment against John-Paul Miller alleges he harassed Mica for months, including posting a nude photo of her online without her consent, calling her more than 50 times in one day, placing tracking devices on her vehicle, damaging her tires, interfering with her finances, and generally making repeated unwanted contact.
Mica Miller had filed for divorce several times before her death, and the couple was estranged at the time. Mica Miller contacted the police several times about being followed and harassed by her husband, telling them she feared for her life.
John-Paul Miller denied wrongdoing, blaming his wife’s death on her mental health, but protestors and law enforcement suspected there was more to the case.
Law enforcement investigation and lies
John-Paul Miller is accused of lying to federal authorities, including falsely stating his motivations for hiring a private investigator (claiming it was for her protection, when it was for surveillance) and denying damaging her tires despite evidence to the contrary.
The FBI has not outright said that Miller’s actions may have caused Mica Miller to take her life, however, it has long been an accusation by her family and those protesting for justice in the case.
Community and family response
Mica’s death sparked a national conversation and intense social media activism, including the #JusticeForMica movement.
Mica’s family strongly believed she was in an abusive relationship, and law enforcement had long suspected more than just suicide, leading to the federal investigation and eventual indictment. The family also filed a lawsuit against John-Paul Miller, which was settled confidentially after her death.
