‘Smoke and mirrors’: Internet skeptical as SC pastor John-Paul Miller is relieved of duties amid wife’s death investigation
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
LUMBER RIVER STATE PARK, SOUTH CAROLINA: A pastor in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was relieved of his duties in the midst of an ongoing investigation into the death of his wife, Mica Miller, 30.
Pastor John-Paul Miller of Solid Rock Church in Market Common was relieved of all ministerial duties, according to a notice sent to the congregation on Sunday, May 5, by the overseer.
Why was John-Paul Miller released from his duties?
John-Paul is released "for a time of healing, counsel, and guidance, pursuant to our governing instrument," according to the notice. Over the weekend, the website of Solid Rock Church was also taken down, as reported by FOX 28 Savannah.
Now, clicking on the website link takes users to a page that says, "This account has been suspended."
Last weekend, Mica Miller's body was discovered on Saturday, April 27, at the Lumber River State Park in Robeson County. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday, May 2, that they had begun an investigation to find out how she died.
Though the police are yet to disclose the cause of Mica's death, her husband John-Paul claimed it to be suicide during an interview with ABC15. However, her friends and family disagree, and they want cops to not listen to "false stories" and investigate the cause of her death.
The couple was going through divorce process, according to online records. Police reports that were sent to ABC15 on Monday, May 6 morning, claimed that Miller had been harassed in early March and that she "was afraid for her life".
Mica Miller's family holds memorial service
Friends and family rallied on Sunday, May 5, outside Solid Rock Church to demand justice for Mica.
On Sunday afternoon, they held a memorial service at Solid Rock Church while her estranged husband conducted another service.
Hundreds of people demonstrated outside the church, according to NewsNation Now, calling for justice for Mica.
One of the attendees remarked, “I came out today to support her, to support her family, to support her story because her story is important and it needs to be heard.”
Mica is survived by her husband, siblings and five stepchildren.
Internet reacts to John-Paul's suspension
As soon as the news of John-Paul's suspension went viral, social media users started sharing their reactions.
A user wrote, "Smoke and mirrors, since JP owns the church."
Another user said, "Nahh that joker just needed time to pack his bags & run because he knows he is guilty."
The third user added, "JP owns the church. That’s all another Hollywood episode. He’s still in charge there. He’s taking a break until “this all blows over in a few weeks” He owns the property. He’s not going anywhere unless it’s jail… I pray."
"It is sad that she had to die before the congregation opened their eyes," fourth person remarked.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
