Netflix's new documentary series Death of the Pastor's Wife has sparked widespread discussion since its release this week, with viewers zeroing in on one particularly unsettling detail throughout the show.
The story behind the documentary
The three-part series follows the story of Mica Miller, who was found dead at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina in April 2024, at the age of 30. Her death was ruled a suicide, and she had called 911 shortly beforehand indicating her intentions. The case drew significant attention after evidence emerged that Mica had reported being the victim of a stalking campaign carried out by her husband, John-Paul Miller, pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The documentary features previously unseen footage and firsthand accounts from friends and family, several speaking publicly for the first time. Loved ones allege Mica's faith was used against her within an increasingly controlling marriage, with evidence pointing to tracking devices placed on her car, slashed tyres, and repeated unwanted contact. She filed for divorce, and was found dead just two days after her husband was served the papers.
The red flag viewers noticed
Since the documentary's release, viewers have specifically pointed to disturbing content from John-Paul's own sermons as a major warning sign. In the series, he's shown preaching about wives having a sexual obligation to their husbands, at one point suggesting that if a wife failed to meet her husband's needs, other options would present themselves to him. The clips have drawn strong reactions online, with viewers expressing shock that congregants continued attending services featuring this kind of preaching, and describing the sermons as difficult to watch.
Where the case stands now
In December 2025, a federal grand jury indicted John-Paul on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators. According to the US Attorney's Office, the indictment alleges he sent Mica unwanted and harassing communications up until her death, including posting a non-consensual nude photo of her online, placing tracking devices on her vehicle, and contacting her more than 50 times in a single day, along with interfering with her finances and damaging her car.
He faces up to five years in prison for the cyberstalking charge and two years for the false statements charge, along with a possible fine of up to $250,000. He remains out on a $100,000 bond, with his federal trial scheduled for October 2026. He has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges and has not been charged in connection with Mica's death.
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.
