Netflix's Death of the Pastor's Wife has brought renewed attention to a second death connected to pastor John-Paul "JP" Miller's circle, involving Christopher Skinner, the former husband of JP's current wife, Suzie Skinner.
Who Christopher Skinner was
Christopher was a military veteran who became a complete C5-C6 quadriplegic, paralysed from the chest down, following an accident. Suzie worked as his physical therapist before the pair married in 2004, later welcoming twins in 2007.
How he died
Christopher was found unresponsive in a swimming pool in September 2021. His death was ruled an accidental drowning, with the official cause listed as asphyxiation. Surveillance footage reportedly showed his wheelchair coming to a stop at the edge of the pool before accelerating into the water, though investigators found no probable cause to support criminal charges.
His family's claims
Christopher's sister, Tamra, said in the documentary that in the final months of his life, he'd expressed discomfort with the church he and Suzie attended and wanted to find somewhere else to worship, while Suzie continued attending without him. Tamra also claimed Christopher discovered information shortly before his death that devastated him, which she believes points to him having learned about an alleged affair between Suzie and JP, something both Suzie and JP have consistently denied. JP has said the relationship between him and Suzie only began after both Christopher and his own wife, Mica, had died, with JP and Suzie marrying in June 2025.
Christopher's family has also expressed frustration that JP was contacted and arrived at the scene of his death before they did.
The reopened investigation
When the investigation into Christopher's death was reopened and ultimately found no basis for criminal charges, Tamra released a statement on behalf of the family, confirming their full cooperation with the process. She said scrutiny around his death stemmed from Suzie's continued relationship with an individual under alleged FBI investigation, referring to JP, and said Suzie had since publicly acknowledged the relationship as more personal during a court hearing. Tamra emphasised the family's love for Christopher's children and expressed hope for eventual reconciliation, despite what she described as efforts to separate them following the family's cooperation with investigators.
Where things stand with JP Miller
JP was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025 on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators, relating to alleged harassment of his late wife, Mica, in the years before her 2024 death, which was ruled a suicide. He has pleaded not guilty, with his trial scheduled for October 2026.
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. If you are experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call 1-800-799-7233, available 24/7, or visit thehotline.org to chat online.
