Pastor forced to deny involvement in his wife’s suicide

A scandal-hit pastor has dismissed the “ungodly” accusations that he had any involvement in his wife’s death, or that he had an affair.

A scandal-hit South Carolina pastor has dismissed the “ungodly” accusations that he had any involvement in his wife’s death, or that he had an affair which led to a paralysed Army veteran allegedly taking his own life.

John-Paul Miller, the former pastor at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, hit headlines last April following the death of his wife Mica Miller, 30, who took her own life.

This week, the sister of Chris Skinner — a quadriplegic Army veteran turned motivational speaker — alleged that her brother took his own life in 2021 after learning that his wife was having an affair with Mr Miller, his pastor, New York Post reported.

Pastor John-Paul Miller (L), and his late wife, Mica Miller. Picture: Mica Miller / Facebook

Mr Miller admitted that he was dating Suzie Skinner, Chris’ widow, but insisted that the pair hadn’t started dating until this year.

“Suzie and I didn’t start dating until January of 2025, just like she stated under oath last month,” he told Crime and Cask, a South Carolina-based publication.

“In fact, it was Mica who asked if we should invite Suzie and her twins to go on a ski vacation, and we did so in December of 2022.”

Mr Miller officiated at Mr Skinner’s funeral and delivered his eulogy. Recently, the coroner’s office reopened its investigation into Mr Skinner’s death, although there is no suggestion of foul play.

“Over the past year, I have seen and read hundreds of lies about myself,” Mr Miller told Crime and Cask.

“I’m waiting and preparing to defend myself against harm caused to my reputation, career, or emotional wellbeing — from overzealous people, certain social media personalities, and news.”

Paraplegic veteran Chris Skinner took his own life in 2021.

Mica’s body was found in April last year. Picture: Mica Miller / Facebook

Miller returned to the pulpit in February, nine months after the death of his wife, at a different ministry, The Sun News reported at the time.

He alleges he has been harassed by protesters ever since, many of them accusing him of having some involvement in the suicide of his wife.

He was also sharply criticised for casually announcing his wife’s death at the end of a sermon on April 28 last year.

Miller announced his wife’s death during a sermon. Picture: Solid Rock / YouTube

“People say I should defend myself online and prove that what’s being said is a lie and show proof that what I say is truth, and I can,” he told Crime and Cask.

“But I believe that would only fuel their evil, ungodly gossip and strife that are in the world.”

Mr Miller also claimed that he had spoken to Mr Skinner at church the day before he died, and said he was estranged from his sister Tamra McDermott.

“He was just as happy and fun and outgoing as he always was,” Mr Miller said of his last time seeing Mr Skinner. “Chris only had wonderful things to say to me”.

Mr Miller attacked Ms McDermott, adding, “Tammy uses lies to try and make herself the strong sibling, which everyone knows is untrue. Chris was such a wise man that he never allowed Tammy to be around his family.”

This story originally appeared on the New York Post and reproduced with permission

Originally published as Pastor forced to deny involvement in his wife’s suicide