What happened to Mica Miller? True story behind Netflix’s ‘Death of the Pastor’s Wife’
Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
Mica Miller, 30, died at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, 2024. The medical examiner ruled her death a su*c*de caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Her death drew attention because she had made allegations against her estranged husband, John-Paul Miller, and filed for separation before she died. Netflix will revisit the case in the documentary series ‘Death of the Pastor’s Wife,’ premiering on August 26.
On April 27, 2024, Mica left her home and drove to Dick's Pawn Shop in Myrtle Beach to purchase a weapon and ammunition. She then drove to Lumber River State Park and called 911 at 2.54 p.m. During the call, she asked whether her location could be traced and said she was “about to k*ll” herself because she wanted her family to know where to find her. Deputies were sent to conduct a welfare check, and a fisherman later called 911 after finding her body in the water.
Investigators recovered the gun and found that its serial number matched the gun case in Mica’s car. They also reviewed surveillance footage, receipts, witness accounts, and phone records. Robeson County Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Johnson said, “Based on the nature of the wound, that it is consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. And it was not in the back of the head, as it has been speculated.”
Investigators determined that John-Paul was in Charleston and traveling with other people that day, and he has not been charged in connection with Mica’s death. Mica filed for divorce in October 2023, but the case was dismissed in February 2024. She filed for separation weeks before her death, with a hearing scheduled for June 5.
Police reports and court documents cited by TV Insider recorded her allegations that John-Paul had groomed her for years and had her involuntarily hospitalized so he could take her car. She had reported harassment and said she was “afraid for her life” in the month before her death.
A federal grand jury indicted John-Paul on December 18, 2025, on one count of cyberstalking and one count of making false statements to federal investigators. The indictment alleges that he sent unwanted and harassing messages to Mica from November 2022 until her death, posted a nude image of her online without consent, caused tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, and contacted her more than 50 times in one day. Prosecutors also allege that he interfered with her finances, damaged her tires, and later lied to investigators. John-Paul pleaded not guilty, and a pretrial conference is scheduled for August 25.
‘Death of the Pastor’s Wife’ features never-before-seen footage and firsthand accounts from Mica’s friends and family. The series is directed by Julia Willoughby Nason and Mike Gasparro. They said, “We made this series to ask difficult questions, listen closely to Mica’s own voice, and make sure that what she was trying to say is not forgotten.” All three episodes will be released on Netflix on August 26.
