Lumberton, North Carolina
A South Carolina pastor has been arrested following a series of troubling events tied to the death of his wife earlier this year. John-Paul Miller, 45, was taken into custody on assault and battery charges on Wednesday evening. This incident occurred outside his church, Solid Rock at Common Market, amid protests regarding the circumstances surrounding his wife’s tragic death in April.
Who
The arrested individual, John-Paul Miller, is a pastor whose late wife, Mica Miller, was found dead on April 27, 2024. Mica, aged 30, had recently initiated divorce proceedings just two days before her passing. The investigation into her death has galvanized public interest, especially among her family and friends, who are actively seeking justice.
What
John-Paul Miller faces charges of third-degree assault and battery resulting from a confrontation with protesters that occurred outside his church. He was released on a bond of $776 the following day. This arrest adds to the controversy surrounding the circumstances of Mica Miller’s death, which was ruled a suicide by gunshot.
Where
The events took place in Lumber River State Park, North Carolina, where Mica Miller was discovered dead. The situation escalated outside the pastor’s church in Horry County, South Carolina, leading to his arrest.
When
The 911 call made by Mica shortly before her death on April 27 has been a focal point of the investigation. John-Paul’s assault arrest occurred on May 1, 2024, shortly after a search by the FBI at his home in nearby Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Why
The investigation surrounding Mica’s death has led to significant public outcry. Mica Miller had called law enforcement, expressing fear for her safety prior to her suicide. Her purchase of a handgun on the day of her death led to further scrutiny. Mica’s sisters have been vocal on social media, requesting justice and raising questions about the relationship dynamics that may have contributed to her final actions.
Friends of Mica have rallied around her memory, using social media to promote the hashtag #JusticeforMica in hopes of keeping the conversation alive and seeking accountability. Reports indicate that 25 FBI agents were present at John-Paul’s residence when a search was conducted after his wife’s death. Allegations of a contentious relationship and concerns about Mica’s well-being before her death have fueled speculation and calls for justice.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the case, has confirmed John-Paul Miller’s alibi for the day of Mica’s death. Despite his being in the spotlight, he has not been charged with any crime directly related to her passing.
As this story unfolds, the community remains divided, with some calling for deeper investigation into Mica’s tragic death and others maintaining support for the pastor. The ongoing complexities of the Millers’ relationship continue to shed light on crucial discussions around mental health and domestic issues.
Authorities urge anyone grappling with similar feelings of despair to seek help, reminding them they can always reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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.
