News Summary
Pastor John-Paul Miller of Myrtle Beach is mired in controversy following the suicide of his wife, leading to protests demanding accountability. Legal challenges intensify as Miller faces multiple lawsuits filed against him after the tragic events. Community reactions vary, as residents monitor the situation closely in hopes of finding peace. Miller’s ongoing legal troubles pose questions about his new church’s future amidst rising tensions.
Myrtle Beach Pastor Seeks Peace Amid Controversy Over Suicides and Protests
In the coastal city of Myrtle Beach, a wave of legal battles and public outcry has recently engulfed Pastor John-Paul “J.P.” Miller, who is facing significant backlash following the tragic events surrounding the death of his wife, Mica Miller. After her untimely death in April 2024, Miller has found himself at the center of heated protests and contentious lawsuits.
The Background: A Grave Situation
The troubles began when Mica Miller’s body was discovered in a North Carolina state park, leading to a ruling of suicide just two days after she served her husband with divorce papers. This heart-wrenching incident not only shocked the local community but also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Mica’s death and her relationship with Pastor Miller.
In the aftermath, a group of 19 protesters took to the streets outside Miller’s former church, with claims of needing accountability for Mica’s death. This group, waving signs and chanting slogans of “Justice for Mica,” alleges that the pastor has failed to address critical issues regarding her suicide.
Legal Battles and Lawsuits Filed
As tensions escalated, Miller struck back by filing a total of 20 lawsuits against the protesters, accusing them of invasion of privacy and defamation. He asserts that the protests have subjected him to ongoing harassment and stalking, which ultimately led him to fear for his safety. However, the public perception of Miller has shifted, with many supporting the protesters in their quest for accountability.
Six of Miller’s lawsuits have already been dismissed, and he now represents himself in magistrate court as he continues his legal fight against the remaining cases. During a court hearing on February 20, 2025, Miller proposed a deal: he would drop his lawsuits against the protesters if they agreed to stay at least 500 feet away from his new church. This gesture aimed at finding a resolution and moving forward, but it didn’t bring about the resolution he hoped for.
The New Church
Speaking of moving forward, Miller is preparing to start fresh with around 75 former worshippers from his closed church, Solid Rock at Market Common, which ceased operations in November 2024. The location of this new church is still under wraps but signifies a new beginning for Miller.
The Legal Landscape
Interestingly, a local paralegal was also caught in this escalating drama. After filing a multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against her, Miller chose to drop the case, further showcasing the whirlwind of legal maneuvers surrounding him. Meanwhile, Regina Ward, an attorney who represents some of the defendants in Miller’s lawsuits, has strongly argued that the protesters have constitutional rights to assemble and voice their grievances, suggesting that Miller’s dubious actions have only ignited further contention.
Community Response and Future Directions
The fallout from Mica’s suicide and the subsequent protests led not only to legal repercussions but also to significant changes within the community. With the property of Solid Rock at Market Common recently sold for $2.15 million to a developer, the impact of these events has been widespread.
As the community continues to grapple with the emotional and legal ramifications, the question remains whether Pastor Miller will find solace in his new church and gain the distance desired from the protests. While Miller’s proposal to resolve his lawsuits may seem like a step towards peace, it hasn’t settled the unrest simmering just beneath the surface.
For now, the Myrtle Beach community is watching closely as Pastor Miller’s saga unfolds, with both sides remaining committed to their respective causes. Will the protests come to an end? Will Miller find the peace he seeks? Only time will tell.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Presidents Day Protest Ongoing in Myrtle Beach
- Wikipedia: Protest
- WBTW News: Anti-Trump Protest Held Outside Myrtle Beach City Hall
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Protests
- ABC News 4: Protestors Rally at Presidents Day Protest in Myrtle Beach
- Google Scholar: Protests in Myrtle Beach
- Post and Courier: John-Paul Miller, Mica, Church Protests, Lawsuits in Myrtle Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Protests
- WFXB News: Protesters Demonstrate Outside Myrtle Beach City Hall
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
