A new true crime documentary, Death of the Pastor's Wife, has shot to the top of the Netflix chart just one day after it was released, leaving viewers 'gobsmacked'.
The three-part series, which launched on the streaming platform on Wednesday, explores the death of Mica Miller, wife of pastor John-Paul 'JP' Miller. Her body was discovered in April 2024, and officials later ruled her cause of death as suicide, but her loved ones have questioned the circumstances surrounding her final moments.
The Story of Mica and JP Miller
Mica was a teenager when she first met JP, who was 15 years older and the pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, where she attended with her family. She went on to become his assistant before they began an affair in 2015, when she was 20. Two years later, they tied the knot, but her family suggested that his behaviour raised flags from the very beginning, claiming that he was 'possessive'.
Speaking to the camera, her sister Sierra alleged that he began testing the boundaries of his authority over her. Her friend agreed: “He would mentally torture her until she gave to him what he wanted.”
Allegations and Legal Fallout
Things took a chilling turn when Mica, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, eventually attempted to leave her marriage. Her husband was alleged to have placed tracking devices on her car, slashed her tyres and bombarded her with calls and texts, before reportedly posting a nude photo of her on social media. She accused him of coercive control and emotional abuse before filing for divorce in 2024, and her body was discovered just days later.
Although it was ruled that she died by suicide, those closest to her have questioned the circumstances surrounding her death and whether JP's alleged abuse may have contributed towards the situation.
Viewer Reactions
Viewers were gripped over the three-part series and flocked to social media to share their thoughts, branding the footage 'terrifying'. One Reddit user said: “I just finished watching. My god. He’s a monster.” Another agreed: “I was on episode 2 and it honestly made me so disturbed, heartbroken and angry … I don’t think I’ll finish it. I’m so disturbed.”
Another commenter penned: “Watching this now and I’m gobsmacked these crazy congregants are just sitting there clapping and lauding the crazy man running his mouth on that stage.” A social media viewer added: “This was a really sad documentary and I am so angry I can't even put into words how I am feeling. Poor Mica. She deserved so much better.”
JP declined to comment on the series, but his lawyer previously issued a statement regarding the speculation of his involvement. He said in a statement in May 2024, via People Magazine: “Following the untimely death of Mica Miller, unfounded rumors and false accusations began circulating on social media and in various media outlets, suggesting Pastor Miller’s involvement in her demise.”
The outlet reports that he was indicted on counts of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators last December, following allegations that he “sent unwanted and harassing communications to his estranged wife” starting in November 2022 and until her death. He has pleaded not guilty. He is said to be out on a $100,000 bond and awaiting federal trial, which has reportedly been pushed to October.
Death of the Pastor's Wife is available to stream on Netflix now.
