On April 27, 2024, Mica Miller, a 30-year-old resident of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was found deceased at Lumber River State Park in Orrum, North Carolina. Earlier that day, surveillance footage captured her leaving her residence at 11:38 a.m. She was later seen at Dick’s Pawn Shop in Myrtle Beach around 12:12 p.m., where she purchased a Sig Sauer handgun and ammunition. Subsequent sightings placed her at a convenience store in Mullins, South Carolina, before she proceeded to the state park.
At approximately 2:54 p.m., Mica made a distressing 911 call, expressing suicidal intentions and inquiring if her phone could be located to aid her family in finding her body. She terminated the call abruptly, and despite multiple attempts, dispatchers were unable to re-establish contact. Utilizing location services, authorities pinpointed her whereabouts and dispatched deputies to Lumber River State Park. Upon arrival, they discovered her black Honda Accord, containing the gun case and ammunition matching her recent purchase.
During the search, a fisherman reported hearing crying followed by a gunshot. He subsequently found a bag near the water's edge containing Mica's identification. Shortly thereafter, another individual kayaking in the area discovered her body in the river. A Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, with a serial number matching the gun case in her vehicle, was recovered from the water nearby. The North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and concluded that Mica's death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officially ruling it a suicide.
In the months leading up to her death, Mica had reported incidents of harassment and expressed fear for her safety. She discovered a GPS tracker on her vehicle and reported slashed tires, leading to concerns about being followed. Additionally, Mica and her husband, Pastor John-Paul Miller, were estranged and undergoing divorce proceedings. On the day of her death, John-Paul was confirmed to be in Charleston, South Carolina, attending a sporting event, with eyewitness accounts and license plate reader data corroborating his location.
Despite the official ruling of suicide, Mica's family and friends have raised questions regarding the circumstances of her death, citing her recent reports of harassment and the tumultuous relationship with her husband. These concerns have led to public demonstrations and calls for further investigation. In response, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office has consulted with federal authorities, including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, to ensure a thorough examination of all aspects surrounding the case.
In November 2024, John-Paul Miller was arrested on unrelated assault charges following an altercation with protesters outside his church. This incident occurred days after federal agents conducted a search of his residence. While these events have intensified public scrutiny, authorities have reiterated that, based on the evidence gathered, there are no indications of foul play in Mica Miller's death. The case remains officially closed, with the cause of death determined to be suicide.
