Death of the Pastor’s Wife, a three-part docuseries that premiered on August 26, takes a closer look at Mica Miller’s relationship with South Carolina pastor John-Paul “JP” Miller and the circumstances surrounding her death.
In April 2024, Mica was found dead at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina. Before her death, she contacted 911 to make sure authorities could locate her body, saying: “I’m about to kill myself, and I want my family to find me.”
Her death was officially ruled a suicide. However, people close to her continue to have questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Mica Miller met pastor John-Paul “JP” Miller at church when she was a teenager. They eventually married, and people close to Mica say the relationship became increasingly controlling and toxic.
She ultimately filed for divorce. Just two days after JP was served with the divorce papers, Mica was found dead.
JP has denied the allegations and has never been charged in connection with Mica’s death.
Death of the Pastor’s Wife
Some of the material shown in the documentary was handed to the filmmakers by Mica’s family. The collection included her journals, home videos and text messages. The filmmakers also included footage from JP’s church services and interviews with people who knew Mica.
After reading the chilling notes Mica made in her journals, the filmmakers decided to use AI to make the entries more personal and present them in a version similar to her actual tone of voice. Directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro wanted to make sure they told her story as authentically as possible.
Gasparro told Vanity Fair: “Seeing her sing at such a young age, seeing her love for the church, her love for her friends and family.
“We tried to really bring all that to life so that you know who Mica is through Mica’s own voice.”
Used AI in the documentary
They previously said it felt important to give viewers the opportunity to hear her own voice: “What stayed with us about Mica’s story was how hard she seemed to be fighting to be heard,” Willoughby Nason and Gasparro said.
“We felt it was important to look closely at what she was experiencing and give the people who loved her the space to tell the story of the woman they knew. We made this series to ask difficult questions, listen closely to Mica’s own voice, and make sure that what she was trying to say is not forgotten.”
Executive producer Alana Goldstein added: “Although we never met Mica, the time we spent with her family and friends allowed us to feel her warmth and heart as a human who endured unspeakable pain.”
“Our goal at Crazy Legs is to tell a deeply personal portrait of Mica – honoring her voice, uncovering the realities of emotional abuse and coercive control, and remembering her for the light she shared with the world through her faith.”
What happened to JP Miller?
In December 2025, a federal grand jury indicted JP on two counts: one for making false statements to federal investigators and another for cyberstalking, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The indictment alleges that Miller “sent unwanted and harassing communications to his estranged wife until her death.”
Prosecutors say the alleged conduct included Miller “posting a nude photo of the victim online without her consent, causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, and in one instance, contacting her over 50 times in a single day.”
The indictment further alleges that he interfered with Mica’s finances and damaged her vehicle tires.
Miller faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the cyberstalking charge and up to two years for making false statements. He could also face a fine of as much as $250,000. He is currently out of jail on a $100,000 bond, and his federal trial is scheduled for October 2026.
As the documentary revisits Mica’s life, her relationship and the questions that remain surrounding her death, the filmmakers say their goal is ultimately to make sure her voice is not forgotten.
Where to get help
On the topic of mental health and suicide, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.
For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.
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