The family of Mica Miller has reached a settlement with her husband, Pastor John-Paul Miller, resolving their disputes about Mica’s death. After a July 29 probate court hearing, lawyers for both sides announced the settlement, saying it provides closure to the case and justice for Mica.
Some terms of the agreement are confidential, but attorneys said it prevents Mica’s family from moving forward with a civil wrongful death lawsuit against John-Paul. In addition, John-Paul will be the representative for Mica’s personal estate. Earlier, her sister had requested that role.
The April 27 death of Mica Miller, age 30, was ruled a suicide. But questions lingered about alleged abuse and grooming by John-Paul, who was 14 years her senior. Prior to her death, Mica had repeatedly called police on her husband and had warned family members that he would be to blame if she was ever found dead.
John-Paul Miller, pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has denied the abuse allegations. On the day Mica died, he was attending a sports event with a woman he was reportedly dating.
Settlement Brings Closure to Mica Miller Case
Attorney Regina Ward, who represents Mica Miller’s family, acknowledged that some people might be “disappointed” by the settlement. But she said the litigation could have taken years, and “we want to put this behind us.”
Mica’s family doesn’t “want to talk about Mr. Miller anymore,” Ward added. Instead, they want to “move forward to the next chapter,” working to pass a coercive-control law. Ward had previously pushed for a bill to end what she describes as “psychological warfare” that “will damage the very soul of a person.”
“We want to focus on the memory and beauty of Mica and everything she has represented for herself and every single person that has ever been in her situation,” said Ward. “When we say that we’ve gotten justice for Mica as a result of this settlement, it is true.”
John-Paul Miller’s Attorney Asks Protesters to Stop
Russell Long, legal representative for John-Paul Miller and his church, echoed Ward’s statement about justice. “This is over,” he said. “This global agreement is Mica’s justice. The next step is the legislative goal. We only ask that you remember Mica as the wonderful, beautiful person that she was.”
“Mica’s family, Pastor Miller, and the church have set their differences aside to allow Mica’s memory to live on without the encumbrance of continuous litigation,” Long continued. “Those that have sought justice for Mica should feel accomplished in helping the Francis family reach this milestone.”
Although “we don’t know every piece of information that led to the death of Mica,” Long added, “we do know that her life did serve a purpose. Her life mattered.”
“Those that are spending every Sunday morning protesting outside of Solid Rock Church chanting, ‘Justice for Mica,’” he said, “should recognize this time of healing and move on with their lives.”
