*Content warning: this article discusses domestic abuse and suicide.*
A new Netflix documentary, Death of the Pastor's Wife, reconstructs the story of Mica Miller, the wife of South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller, who died in April 2024 shortly after filing for divorce.
Allegations of abuse
Mica's relationship with John-Paul, who was 15 years older than her, began as an affair while both were married to other people. In her divorce filing, Mica alleged sustained abuse throughout the marriage, describing it in her affidavit as emotional, sexual, spiritual, financial, and physical. She had attempted to file for divorce once before, in 2023, before withdrawing it, and filed again in April 2024 with a hearing scheduled for June.
A case that made national headlines
The case drew significant attention after John-Paul announced Mica's death to his congregation from the pulpit, before the coroner had officially confirmed the cause. Her death was ultimately ruled a suicide. In the wake of her death, Mica's family has publicly questioned whether the legal system did enough to protect her, and has since campaigned for a change to how South Carolina law defines domestic abuse.
Mica's Law
The proposed legislation, known as Mica's Law (South Carolina bill SB 702), would expand the state's legal definition of domestic violence to include coercive control, along with psychological, emotional, and financial abuse. It would also require law enforcement officers to be trained to recognise these forms of abuse, which currently fall outside what the state legally classifies as domestic violence or harassment.
Mica's sister Anna has spoken about the family's motivation for pushing the legislation, saying that being married to someone limited what police were able to treat as harassment under current law.
Where John-Paul Miller is now
In December 2025, John-Paul was indicted by the US Attorney's Office on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. He has pleaded not guilty and has not been charged in connection with Mica's death. His trial has been delayed multiple times, and he remains out on bond, having since remarried.
Death of the Pastor's Wife is streaming now on Netflix.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988, chat at 988lifeline.org, or text MHA to 741741 to reach Crisis Text Line.
