John-Paul “JP” Miller is back in the spotlight following the release of Netflix’s Death of the Pastor’s Wife, a three-part documentary examining the life and death of his estranged wife, Mica Miller. The series premiered on August 26, 2026, bringing renewed attention to a case that has generated questions about domestic abuse, coercive control and the investigation into Mica’s death.
Miller, a former Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pastor, is not charged with causing Mica’s death. Instead, he faces federal charges related to alleged cyberstalking and allegedly providing false information to investigators. He has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain unproven in court.
Who Is JP Miller?
Miller was a pastor associated with Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach. His relationship with Mica became the focus of intense scrutiny after their marriage deteriorated and she sought to leave.
According to the documentary’s account, Mica first encountered Miller when she was young and attending his church. Their relationship later became romantic, eventually leading to marriage in 2017. Netflix describes the series as an examination of their relationship, including allegations that Miller’s behavior became increasingly controlling.
The story changed dramatically when Mica attempted to separate from him.
Mica’s Death
Mica Miller was 30 when she died on April 27, 2024, at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina.
Authorities ruled her death a suicide. Public suspicion surrounding the circumstances increased because of the troubled state of her marriage and reports that Mica had previously expressed fear and concerns about stalking.
Importantly, Miller has not been federally charged with Mica’s death. The current federal indictment concerns alleged conduct that occurred before her death, rather than an accusation that he physically caused it.
That distinction remains essential when discussing the case.
Federal Charges
A federal grand jury indicted Miller in December 2025.
The two-count indictment alleges cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. Prosecutors say the alleged harassment began in November 2022 and continued until Mica’s death in April 2024.
The government’s allegations include unwanted electronic communications, surveillance, interference with Mica’s finances and daily activities, damage to her vehicle and the unauthorized publication of an intimate photograph.
Prosecutors also allege that tracking devices were placed on vehicles used by Mica.
The Calls
One detail in the indictment has attracted particular attention.
Federal prosecutors allege that Miller contacted Mica more than 50 times on one day. The indictment also alleges that, during an interview with federal investigators, Miller falsely claimed Mica had called him more frequently than he had called her.
The government says phone records contradicted that account. Prosecutors further allege that Miller was told by police to stop contacting Mica before her death.
These claims form part of the federal government’s false-statements case.
The Tire Allegation
Another allegation involves Mica’s vehicle.
According to the indictment, Miller denied damaging her tires. Federal prosecutors allege that he had obtained a tire-deflation device and used or caused it to be used on her vehicle.
The indictment also alleges that Miller communicated with others about Mica’s vehicle.
These allegations are part of the government’s broader claim that his conduct amounted to a sustained campaign of harassment and surveillance.
Netflix Documentary
The Netflix series has brought the story to a much wider audience.
Death of the Pastor’s Wife contains three episodes and uses interviews, personal accounts and previously unseen material to reconstruct Mica’s life and the period preceding her death. Netflix says the documentary focuses on the relationship, allegations of control and manipulation, and the continuing search for answers.
The filmmakers have said they wanted to give Mica’s family and friends an opportunity to discuss the woman they knew while examining allegations of emotional abuse and coercive control.
The documentary does not change the legal status of Miller’s criminal case.
Where He Stands
As of August 26, 2026, Miller remains free while awaiting his federal trial. The case has been delayed and is now scheduled for the October 2026 court term, according to the latest reporting surrounding the documentary.
The charges carry significant potential penalties if he is convicted. The Justice Department says cyberstalking carries a maximum sentence of five years, while the false-statements charge carries a maximum of two years.
Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
His Life Now
Miller’s life after Mica’s death has also attracted attention.
The original Solid Rock Church building is no longer operating in the same form, but Miller has continued preaching to a smaller group in the Myrtle Beach area. He also remarried in June 2025, according to current reporting.
His return to religious ministry while facing federal prosecution has become another point of public discussion surrounding the case.
Mica’s Law
Mica’s family has also pushed for changes beyond the courtroom.
Relatives and supporters are advocating for legislation known as “Mica’s Law,” which seeks to address coercive control in domestic relationships. The campaign reflects a broader argument that abusive behavior can extend beyond physical violence and include surveillance, intimidation, manipulation and control.
For Mica’s family, the proposed law is part of an effort to turn the attention surrounding her death into changes that could help others facing similar circumstances.
What Comes Next
The next major development will be Miller’s federal trial, currently expected during the October 2026 court term.
Until then, the Netflix documentary is likely to keep public interest focused on the case. It presents Mica’s story through the memories of people who knew her, while Miller’s federal prosecution will ultimately be decided by evidence presented in court.
For now, the central legal fact is clear: John-Paul Miller faces federal allegations of cyberstalking and making false statements, but he has not been charged with causing Mica Miller’s death. The questions surrounding her final days, meanwhile, remain at the heart of the continuing public conversation.
