Family Accuses South Carolina Pastor of Coercive Control in Tragic Death of Wife

The family of Mica Miller, a former worship leader who died in April 2024, has publicly accused her estranged husband, John-Paul "JP" Miller, a South Carolina pastor, of forcing her into a final involuntary hospitalization, which they believe contributed to her tragic demise. The allegations are detailed in a three-part true-crime series titled "Death of the Pastor's Wife," which premiered on Netflix this week.

The series, which explores Mica's life, marriage, and death, reveals a pattern of coercive control during her marriage. According to Mica's siblings, her husband was responsible for her involuntary admission to a mental health center, despite her wishes. Mica's final hospitalization was a part of a broader pattern of manipulation and control, they claim.

Mica Miller was found dead in the water in North Carolina on April 27, 2024, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a suicide. Her final hospitalization, according to her siblings, was involuntary, with Mica initiating the admission against her will.

Mica was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while engaged to JP Miller, who reportedly played an active role in overseeing her care. During the relationship, she was hospitalized multiple times, including shortly before their marriage in 2017.

In a handwritten affidavit accompanying her divorce filing, Mica alleged she was subjected to emotional, sexual, spiritual, financial, and physical abuse. During her hospitalizations, JP Miller is said to have taken possession of her vehicle, phone, and laptop, which contained intimate photographs of her. Mica later reported the incident to the police, as depicted in the Netflix series.

Miller has denied any involvement in his wife's death and has not been charged. However, he is facing unrelated federal prosecution for cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators. A federal grand jury indicted Miller in December 2025 on these charges.

"Death of the Pastor's Wife" features never-before-seen footage and firsthand accounts from Mica's relatives, friends, former church members, and her divorce attorney. The documentary aims to shed light on the complexities of Mica's life and the circumstances surrounding her death.

Mica, 30, was found dead at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina just two days after serving her husband with divorce papers. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office concluded that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and closed its investigation. Despite the ruling, her family maintains that there is more to the story and that JP Miller played a role in her death.

The series highlights the ongoing struggle against coercive control and the need for awareness about mental health issues. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind seemingly perfect marriages and the importance of seeking help when signs of abuse are present.

The family's allegations against JP Miller have sparked a conversation about the role of religious leaders in abusive relationships and the impact they can have on their followers. The documentary aims to educate viewers on the signs of coercive control and the importance of speaking up when witnessing such behavior.

In the wake of Mica Miller's tragic death, her family is hoping that her story will serve as a cautionary tale and a call to action for those who may be in similar situations. They urge anyone experiencing abuse to seek help and to remember that there is always a way out.