Audiences are reeling over a new Netflix documentary that explores the twisted case of disgraced pastor John-Paul “JP” Miller and his late wife, Mica Miller.
Death of the Pastor’s Wife is a three-part docuseries centered on the true story of Mica, who died by suicide at the age of 30 in April 2024. It explores the case against John-Paul, the pastor of South Carolina-based Solid Rock Church, who has been charged with lying to federal investigators and cyberstalking, which includes the allegation that he harassed Mica from November 2022 until her death.
John-Paul, 46, has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against him and has not been charged in connection with Mica’s death. After several postponements, his federal trial is now scheduled for October.
The case captured the attention of the nation and prompted speculation about what led to Mica’s death, especially after it came to light that she had asked JP for a divorce two days before she died. In the doc, former friends and family members of JP alleged that he repeatedly cheated on Mica, including with a fellow member of their church, which contributed to the dissolution of their marriage.
Although the investigation has been the subject of public scrutiny on social media for the past two years, the docuseries has left viewers appalled at the never-before-seen footage and eyewitness accounts in the disturbing case.
“Couldn’t wait to watch Death of the Pastor’s Wife & it’s just as crazy as I expected,” one viewer wrote on X. Another added: “What in the name of Jesus did I just watch ?! I’m gunning, I’m booooiiiiling inside. This man is the devil himself.”
One person added, “I’m on episode 2 of this and the rage inside me is so strong I have so much to say.” On Instagram, someone commented: “Watching this right now it’s so crazy and sad.”
“Death of the Pastor’s Wife on Netflix is wild!” another added.
An official logline for the documentary read: “What happened to Mica Miller? This documentary series retraces her promising life, toxic marriage and the mysterious circumstances of her death.”
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Executive producer Alana Goldstein said in a Netflix press release that the documentary was created based on the paper trail of the events.
“The police reports exist, the medical records exist, the text messages, the apology letters,” the filmmaker said. “JP was an avid texter and writer, so we had thousands of his own words that paint a very particular picture. We stuck to the records.”
The Independent has reached out to Netflix for comment on the response to the series.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.