John-Paul Miller: Video shows pastor suffering manic episode amid claims that wife Mica was mentally ill

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

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, NORTH CAROLINA: A video surfaced on social media showing Pastor John-Paul Miller from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, suffering what appears to be a manic episode. The video sparked questions about the man at the center of one of  South Carolina’s most closely watched suspicious death investigations in years.

John-Paul's wife, Mica Miller allegedly took her own life on April 27. Mica was found dead in a secluded pond at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina. In the aftermath of her death, acquaintances and relatives of John-Paul asserted that he had mistreated and exerted undue influence over his wife in the months leading up to her demise.

Who released the bizarre video of John-Paul Miller?

According to FitsNews, the seven-minute video featuring John-Paul lacks a clear date and seems to have been recorded prior to recent events that thrust this narrative into the national spotlight. 

The footage was shared on social media by Ty Longerbeam of Myrtle Beach, SC, who used it to slam John-Paul Miller, branding him as a “complete sh*t stain to all of the other pastors who truly desire to lead people to the Lord.”

Longerbeam claimed that John-Paul, known as JP, routinely used his pulpit at the Solid Rock at Market Common church in Myrtle Beach to disparage his victims by divulging derogatory and inappropriate personal details. 

Longerbeam penned, “NOBODY was ever mental until they met you. You are the common denominator in all of this. This video is only proof that YOU yourself have issues and YOU know what medication can do to someone.”

John-Paul Miller says ‘I just wanna see Jesus’ in disturbing video

The video depicts a man identified as “JP” lying face down on the grass beside a pickup truck, experiencing irregular breathing, whimpering, and complaining about being bitten by ants. When the person recording the video inquired about his well-being, John-Paul attributed his condition to medication, claiming it “makes me go crazy.” 

In a high-pitched whimper, he expressed "I just wanna see Jesus, I was going to see Jesus." He lamented, "There’s ants biting me everywhere, I just wanna see Jesus."

When asked if he wants 9-1-1 to be called, John-Paul reiterated, "I just need to get to Jesus, that’s all. I just need to get to Jesus. I just want to get to heaven quickly. I don’t want any ants to stop me. Tell all my kids I love ’em please.. "

Longerbeam explicitly called for the widespread circulation of the video, signing off with a plea for the internet to "do your thing."

John-Paul Miller announced his wife Mica Miller’s death during sermon

In John-Paul’s sermon on April 28, 2024, he announced the death of his wife Mica Miller. John-Paul also made reference to her purported mental health struggles. Addressing his congregation, he shared, "I got a call late last night my wife has passed away." 

He requested discretion, urging them not to discuss the matter further. "Yeah. It was self-induced and it was up in North Carolina and, um, we’re going to have a funeral for her next Sunday here at 3.00 pm."  

John-Paul continued, "Ya’ll knew that she wasn’t well mentally – and that she needed her medicine that was hard to get to her." Records suggest that on February 8, 2024, John-Paul had his wife involuntarily admitted to the Waccamaw Center for Mental Health, where she was discharged two days later. 

Allegations surfaced on February 15, 2024, accusing Mica Miller of financial misconduct related to the church's missionary ministry, followed by further accusations in the subsequent month. However, no substantiated evidence was found, leading to the closure of the case.