Justice For Mica Miller: The Hurdles Her Family Faced

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On Monday of this week (July 29, 2024), the family of South Carolina pastor’s wife Mica Miller filed into a small courtroom in Conway, S.C. with their attorney, Regina Ward. They appeared determined – and, as always, united. With a high stakes probate court hearing about to begin, Ward gave the family strict instructions to control their facial expressions as they awaited the arrival of Miller’s estranged husband, John-Paul Miller, and his legal team.

When lawyers representing both sides retreated into the judge’s chambers prior to the hearing, there was no indication anything was amiss – but fifteen minutes later, when they reappeared, a noticeable change in demeanor was evident.

“All rise!” the bailiff announced.

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When Horry County probate judge Charles R. Rhodes Jr. gaveled the proceedings to order, the reason for the change in tone became clear: Attorneys for Mica’s family announced that they had reached a global settlement with John-Paul Miller and his church, Solid Rock at Market Common, resolving all current and envisioned legal matters between the parties to the agreement.

For so many who have been following this story from the beginning, the settlement – and the ‘out of the blue’ manner in which it was announced – felt like an anti-climactic, disappointing ending. Some even accused the Miller family of “selling out” and betraying Mica’s memory.

In the three months since Mica’s death was exclusively reported by this media outlet, her face has been plastered on social media posts and YouTube videos – all demanding “Justice for Mica.” Audiences quickly became engrossed by her story. In videos posted to social media by Mica prior to her tragic death, her calm confidence, resolute faith and gorgeous singing voice shone through – lending strength and inspiration to countless abused women.

Conversely, family and friends of Mica made representations in multiple interviews and court filings about an alleged campaign of extreme harassment, coercive control and abuse waged by John-Paul Miller in the weeks and months leading up to her death.

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RELATED | GLOBAL SETTLEMENT REACHED

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Also, disputed details of the investigation that determined her death to be self-inflicted also drew attention.

With so much light and heat on this case, the quiet (and sealed) settlement felt like an abrupt – and secretive – end to a story in which emotions continue to run high.

But like everything surrounding Mica’s death, litigating this case to trial would have brought with it numerous legal hurdles – many of which it was doubtful her family would have been able to overcome.

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STATUTORY AUTHORITY

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Less than two days before Mica Miller’s death, John-Paul Miller was served with divorce papers. So while she clearly intended to divorce her estranged spouse, the two were still legally married at the time of her death. In fact, no judgments had been entered in connection with the divorce proceedings because Mica died before the first court hearing could be held.

Also, Mica died “intestacy” – i.e. without a valid last will and testament.

With no children having been born of their union, John-Paul Miller stood to be the sole beneficiary of Mica’s estate – meaning any civil judgments which may have accrued to the benefit of the estate would have ultimately have gone back to him. The only exception to this would have been if he had waived his right to such status in either a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement … which John-Paul Miller did not do. 

This week’s probate hearing was scheduled to determine whether Miller or Mica’s sister, Sierra Francis, would be entitled to serve as the personal representative of Mica’s estate. While it seems counterintuitive, winning such a designation would have been uphill battle for Sierra Francis and her family based on current probate statutes.

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WRONGFUL DEATH

Had Mica’s family succeeded in gaining control of her estate – and proceeded with a wrongful death lawsuit against John-Paul Miller – even more hurdles would have awaited them. When an individual dies by suicide and their survivors choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit, they must prove the person they are suing negligently caused or failed to prevent a suicide.

To make this case, they would have needed to provide evidence that John-Paul Miller’s alleged actions led directly to Mica’s death.

Many of Miller’s actions remain just that – alleged. And while there are several police reports which detail vehicle trackers and deliberate tire damage, no charges were filed against Miller. Much of the evidence and testimony would likely have been based on journal entries and second-hand accounts from friends and family.

Also, in the event Mica did indeed have mental health issues – as alleged by her spouse – these records and hospitalizations would have undoubtedly been entered into evidence.

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THE SETTLEMENT

Even though the settlement between Mica’s family members and John-Paul Miller and his church was sealed, leaks before, during and after the press conference claimed the total dollar amount was in the “low-six figures.”

Whether these reports are accurate is unknown – and may never be known – but many expressed dismay that the figure was potentially not much higher. Based on South Carolina probate law, though, Mica’s family was legally not entitled to receive any amount from her estate.

What the Francis family has always sought, as Mica’s sister Abigail Francis told FITSNews founding editor Will Folks, is “righteous justice.”

For the Francis family, money was never their object – they sought accountability and change. Knowing Mica’s legacy was helping build momentum toward legislation that might protect others from going through what Mica experienced feels like justice. Continuing her dreams of a founding a mission to help children in Africa also feels like justice. Knowing Mica is making a difference after her death… feels like justice.

The accountability portion of this story has yet to come to pass, but based on reports of potential civil lawsuits from sexual assault victims and an ongoing federal investigation, Miller isn’t out of the woods just yet.

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IS JOHN-PAUL MILLER WALKING AWAY?

After the settlement was announced and during the press conference, John-Paul Miller appeared relieved, but with our sources indicating the potential for civil lawsuits related to alleged sexual assaults – and the ongoing federal investigation – any relief he may be feeling is likely to be short-lived.

Had Mica’s family continued to pursue civil litigation, the risk would have likely outweighed the reward. If additional lawsuits are indeed filed, there would be many new claimants vying for whatever assets he does have. And if a federal investigation results in charges being filed, Miller’s assets risk being frozen or even seized.

Waiting could have been a risky game for the Francis family, indeed.

Anyone pursuing civil litigation is stepping into the unknown. Doing so in the midst of the trauma and grief of loving a loved one while navigating complex and ambiguous statutes family, probate and civil court make the unknowns even more difficult. The decision to settle a case should never be viewed as a loss to anyone not directly involved in settlement negotiations.

Also, as anyone paying attention to Mica’s sisters can attest … their part in this story is far from over.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Jenn Wood is FITSNews’ incomparable research director. She’s also the producer of the FITSFiles and Cheer Incorporated podcasts and leading expert on all things Murdaugh/ South Carolina justice. A former private investigator with a criminal justice degree, evildoers beware, Jenn Wood is far from your average journalist! A deep dive researcher with a passion for truth and a heart for victims, this mom of two is pretty much a superhero in FITSNews country. Did we mention she’s married to a rocket scientist? (Lucky guy!) Got a story idea or a tip for Jenn? Email her at jenn@fitsnews.com.

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