Pastor's Wife's Death: A Web of Control and Fear

A new three-part docuseries, "Death of the Pastor's Wife," by Netflix examines the life and death of Mica Miller, a 30-year-old South Carolina pastor's wife whose 2024 passing garnered significant attention. The series investigates her troubled marriage to Pastor John-Paul Miller, her expressed fears of being followed, and the circumstances surrounding her death.

Mica Miller, originally from Wichita, Kansas, moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she became involved with Solid Rock Church. She met John-Paul Miller when she was 20 and he was 35, married with five children. They began an affair in 2015, later divorcing their respective spouses and marrying in November 2017.

By late 2023, their marriage was deteriorating. Mica filed for divorce in October 2023, but it was dismissed. She reported incidents of her tires being slashed and expressed fear for her life, telling police she believed she was being watched. Her family later alleged she suffered abuse within the marriage, a claim John-Paul Miller denies.

Mica filed for separation again on April 15, 2024, and moved out. On April 27, 2024, two days after her husband was served divorce papers, Mica was found dead at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina. Authorities concluded her death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, despite speculation linking her husband.

In December 2025, John-Paul Miller was indicted on federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements. Prosecutors allege he tracked Mica's vehicle, hired people to follow her, and interfered with her finances. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is expected in October 2026.