The siblings of Mica Miller allege that her estranged husband, South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller, arranged an involuntary mental-health hospitalization before her death in April 2024. Their claims appear in a three-part documentary series examining Miller’s marriage, reported allegations of abuse and the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities ruled that Miller died by suicide, while her husband has denied involvement and has not been charged in connection with her death. The allegations about the hospitalization form part of a broader family account of alleged coercive control.
| 1) | Family allegations about the final hospitalization |
| 2) | Claims of abuse and control during the marriage |
| 3) | Miller’s death and the official investigation |
| 4) | Separate federal charges against the pastor |
| 5) | Proposed changes to South Carolina law |
Family allegations about the final hospitalization
Miller’s siblings say John-Paul Miller contacted a mental-health facility and initiated her final admission against her wishes. They describe the hospitalization as one episode in a larger alleged pattern of coercive control. According to the family, Miller had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder while she was engaged to the pastor, who they say took an active role in overseeing her care.
The siblings also allege that Miller was hospitalized several times during the relationship, including shortly before the couple married in 2017. The claims are presented through interviews and family accounts in the documentary series, which focuses on Miller’s life and marriage.
Claims of abuse and control during the marriage
In a handwritten affidavit submitted with her divorce filing, Miller alleged that she had experienced emotional, sexual, spiritual, financial and physical abuse. Her family further said that, while she was hospitalized, John-Paul Miller took possession of her vehicle, phone and laptop.
The relatives said the computer contained intimate photographs of Miller and that she later reported the alleged incident to police. The documentary includes interviews with family members, friends, former members of Solid Rock Church and Miller’s divorce attorney. John-Paul Miller reportedly declined to participate, and his attorneys were contacted for comment.
Miller’s death and the official investigation
Mica Miller, 30, was found dead in Lumber River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, 2024, two days after serving her husband with divorce papers. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office said she made a 911 call shortly before her death.
Investigators found Miller in the water with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and located a gun nearby. The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a suicide, and the sheriff’s office closed its investigation. John-Paul Miller has denied involvement and has not been charged in connection with her death.
Separate federal charges against the pastor
Although no charges have been filed against John-Paul Miller over Miller’s death, he faces an unrelated federal prosecution concerning alleged conduct before her death. A federal grand jury indicted him in December 2025 on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators.
The indictment alleges that he posted an intimate photograph of Miller without her consent, arranged for tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, contacted her more than 50 times in one day, interfered with her finances and damaged her tires. Prosecutors allege the conduct caused Miller to fear death or serious bodily injury and created substantial emotional distress. He has pleaded not guilty, remains free on a $100,000 bond and could face prison time and fines if convicted.
Proposed changes to South Carolina law
Miller’s relatives support South Carolina Bill 702, known as Mica’s Law. The proposed legislation would recognize coercive control, including sustained psychological, emotional and financial manipulation, within the state’s domestic-violence laws.
The bill was referred to the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee but did not advance during the 2026 legislative session. Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, where the couple served, permanently closed in November 2024 after weekly protests by domestic-violence advocates and an FBI investigation involving John-Paul Miller.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Miller’s siblings allege her final hospitalization was involuntary. |
| 2 | Her family describes alleged emotional, financial and other abuse during the marriage. |
| 3 | Authorities ruled Miller’s April 2024 death a suicide. |
| 4 | Her former husband faces separate federal cyberstalking and false-statement charges. |
Summary
The documentary presents allegations from Miller’s family about an involuntary hospitalization and a wider pattern of alleged coercive control. Those claims remain allegations, while the official investigation determined that Miller died by suicide. Her former husband faces separate federal charges and has pleaded not guilty. The proposed Mica’s Law did not advance during the 2026 legislative session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Miller’s siblings allege?
They allege that John-Paul Miller arranged an involuntary mental-health hospitalization and exercised coercive control during the marriage.
How did authorities classify Miller’s death?
The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Miller died by suicide after she was found at Lumber River State Park on April 27, 2024.
What charges does John-Paul Miller face?
He faces federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators in an unrelated prosecution. He has pleaded not guilty.
