New reports show that the home of a pastor who announced his wife’s death to his congregation has been searched by the FBI.
As previously reported, Mica Miller, 30, was found dead on April 27 in Lumber River State Park, North Carolina, with a gunshot wound to the side of her head.
Just days after, John-Paul Miller, pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, shared the news with his congregation, explaining her struggles with mental health.
“I got a call late last night, my wife has passed away. It was self-induced and it was up in North Carolina,” Miller said during a Sunday service.
Miller told the congregation about the challenges his wife faced, adding: “Y’all pray for me and my kids and everybody.
“You all knew she wasn’t well mentally and she needed medicine that was hard to get to her.”
He mentioned Mica had previously “struggled” with suicidal thoughts but said that “God took care of her and got her through it,” as reported by The New York Post.
Court records reveal that the Millers had been dealing with marital issues before Mica’s death, with divorce proceedings in progress earlier this year.
The case was dismissed in February, yet shortly afterward, Pastor Miller filed for “separate support and maintenance,” seeking financial support while the couple remained legally married.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office subsequently opened an investigation, leading Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Johnson to confirm that Mica had died by suicide.
He noted: “Based on the nature of the wound, it is consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. And it was not in the back of the head, as it has been speculated,” he told WPDE.
In a new update on Friday, FBI agents executed a search warrant at the home of South Carolina pastor, per the New York Post.
Miller’s attorney, Russell Long, confirmed the search warrant in a statement to the Post and Dispatch, but he questioned its purpose.
When asked what authorities were searching for, Long described it as a “fishing” expedition,” adding: “There was no affidavit attached to the search warrant. Therefore, I have no idea what it’s in relation to.”
Miller was not at home during the search.
As the FBI searched the property on Friday, a group of around 20 protesters gathered nearby, many wearing purple #justiceformica shirts. One protester held a sign displaying a photo of Mica and the message: “Your voice is powerful.”
The FBI has yet to release details related to Friday’s search.
Before her death, Mica had reportedly written an affidavit for her attorney, alleging “abuse in every way I can think of.”
Additionally, she posted a video on Facebook addressing her experience with abuse, offering support to others who might be facing similar situations.
Following the online circulation of this video, Long issued a statement to The New York Post, addressing the speculation surrounding Mica’s death.
“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,” he said.
Long continued: “This created a buzz, causing local and national media outlets to be proliferating these falsehoods, on a mammoth proportion. Our client refutes any report that suggests he ever abused his wife.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.