Pastor Charged with Cyberstalking Wife Before Her Suicide
In a tragic case that highlights the devastating impact of domestic abuse, former Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller, 46, now faces federal charges for allegedly cyberstalking his estranged wife, Mica Miller, in the year leading up to her suicide. A federal grand jury in Columbia has indicted Miller on counts of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators, with prosecutors alleging a disturbing pattern of harassment that may have contributed to Mica’s emotional distress before her death in April 2024.
According to the federal indictment, Miller’s campaign of harassment began in November 2022 and continued until Mica’s death at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina. The allegations paint a picture of relentless intrusion into her life—sending unwanted communications, contacting her over 50 times in a single day, interfering with her finances, placing tracking devices on her car, damaging her tires, and even posting an intimate photograph online without her consent. Prosecutors argue these actions placed Mica “in reasonable fear of death and serious bodily injury” and caused “substantial emotional distress.” When questioned by authorities about damaging Mica’s tires, Miller allegedly lied, though investigators later discovered evidence that he had purchased a tire-deflation device online and referenced her vehicle in messages to others.
The case took a heartbreaking turn on April 27, 2024, when Robeson County deputies responded to Lumber River State Park after Mica called 911 expressing concern she might harm herself. She was found dead in the water with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the weapon was located nearby. The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office subsequently ruled her death a suicide. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins revealed that his office initiated the request for federal involvement shortly after Mica’s death when investigators discovered information that warranted further review, even though it wasn’t directly related to the cause of death. On May 6, 2024, the sheriff’s office contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina, requesting a federal investigation into alleged conduct that occurred outside North Carolina’s jurisdiction.
“Unfortunately, during the course of this investigation, rumors, speculation, and conspiracy theories spread rapidly,” Sheriff Wilkins stated in a public release, emphasizing that his office’s decisions were “based solely on facts, evidence, and verified information obtained through a very detailed and thorough investigation.” The federal charges, while not changing the official determination of Mica’s death, bring attention to the seriousness of domestic abuse, including its non-physical forms. “This case underscores the seriousness of domestic violence abuse and related offenses and serves as a reminder that such behavior has no place in our society,” Wilkins added, highlighting how the case illuminates the often-invisible nature of emotional and psychological abuse.
Court records reveal the couple was in the process of separation at the time of Mica’s death, with her filing for divorce just two days before she died. Miller, who was serving as a pastor at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach when these events unfolded, now faces potentially severe consequences for his alleged actions. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the cyberstalking charge and two years for making false statements, along with fines of up to $250,000 for each count. His arraignment is scheduled for January 12, 2026, in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. Court records did not immediately list an attorney representing Miller.
The tragic case of Mica Miller has drawn national attention not only to the circumstances of her death but also to the broader issue of intimate partner harassment and abuse. Law enforcement officials have been careful to address the public interest in the case while maintaining the integrity of their investigation. The sharing of evidence with the FBI and meetings with Miller’s family demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities have approached both the investigation and the aftermath of Mica’s death. While the federal charges focus on Miller’s alleged pattern of harassment rather than directly addressing Mica’s suicide, they nonetheless underscore how psychological abuse can have profound and devastating effects on victims.
This heartbreaking story serves as a painful reminder of the complex nature of domestic abuse and its potentially fatal consequences. For those experiencing similar situations, resources are available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and through various domestic violence support organizations. As this case proceeds through the legal system, it may help bring greater awareness to the serious nature of cyberstalking and emotional abuse, potentially helping others recognize warning signs and seek help before reaching such tragic outcomes. While nothing can bring Mica Miller back to her loved ones, the pursuit of justice in her case may ultimately help prevent similar tragedies for others caught in cycles of harassment and abuse.
