911 call, security footage and timeline detail day of Mica Miller's death

August 11, 2024

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WPDE) — BREAKING UPDATE: Mica Miller accused estranged husband of 'grooming' her at church

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office released new findings, including the 911 call, in the death investigation of 30-year-old Mica Miller, of Myrtle Beach.

Miller died by suicide on April 27 at Lumber River State Park. According to Robeson County Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Johnson, Miller died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Dr. Johnson said, “Based on the nature of the wound, that it is consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. And it was not in the back of the head, as it has been speculated.”

Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins held a meeting with Mica's family on Tuesday morning and released the timeline of events from the day Miller died:

April 27: Mica Miller's whereabouts

10:13 a.m. - Miller is seen on her Ring camera leaving her residence on Margarita Drive in Myrtle Beach

11 a.m. - Miller seen on her Ring camera arriving at her residence

11:38 a.m. - Miller seen on her Ring camera leaving her residence again

12:12 p.m. - Miller seen on store surveillance walking into Dick’s Pawn Shop which is located at 1852 Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach

12:13 p.m. - Miller seen buying a weapon

12:34 p.m. - Miller seen leaving Dick’s Pawn shop after purchasing a weapon and ammunition

1:06 p.m. - Miller’s black Honda Accord is seen traveling on Highway 501 near Four Mile Road in Conway

1:27 p.m. - Miller’s black Honda Accord is seen arriving at 41 Grocery and Grill, which is located on Highway 41 in Mullins

1:35 p.m. - Miller is seen leaving the store after buying a drink and gas

2:54 p.m.

911 call was made from an 843-area code number
Mica Miller asked if her phone could be located and then "threatened suicide"
Mica hung up the phone before further information could be gathered by dispatch
The telecommunicator tried to call Mica back multiple times and was unable to make contact

WARNING: The 911 call you are about to hear deals with suicide and can be sensitive for some. Listener discretion is advised.

3:03 p.m. - Robeson County deputies were dispatched to the Lumber River State Park for a well-being check and to attempt to locate Mica
3:05 p.m. - Contact was made with the Lumber River State Park superintendent
3:20 p.m. - Deputies request phone ping
3:31 p.m. - Deputies arrive at Lumber River State Park and begin the search with State Park rangers
3:33 p.m. - Robeson County Sheriff's Office; Aviation Division; Air3 sUAV drone were dispatched to Lumber River State Park
3:42 p.m. - Telecommunicator contacted Verizon to request an updated location ping
3:50 p.m. - Detectives with Air3 sUAV arrived at Lumber River State Park

While conducting an aerial search, detectives were approached by a person who said he found a bag while fishing with Mica's ID inside. Detectives took possession of the bag. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office findings said this person heard crying and then a gunshot. The person stated he went further into the slough where he found the bag about two feet from the water's edge.

4:23 p.m.

An individual contacted Robeson County 911 and said he located a body in the water. He had been fishing on his kayak when he found the body.
Searching deputies secured the area for an investigation.

5:30 p.m. - Chief of Detectives for RCSO arrives at the incident location

5:54 p.m.

Detectives and RCSO arrive at the incident location
The medical examiner was contacted and requested
CSI technician photographed the area of investigation to include the vehicle belonging to Mica Miller. Items of evidence were collected from her car and the incident location.

Investigators located a Sig Sauer gun case in the passenger seat of the vehicle and a box of ammunition in the center console of the vehicle. Investigators also found a receipt for the handgun from a pawn shop and a receipt from a convenience store in the vehicle. Both receipts were dated for same day of Miller’s death. The serial number on the weapon found in the water at the crime scene matched the gun box that was found in Miller’s Honda Accord.

7:11 p.m. - Firearm is located in the water

April 26 & 27: John-Paul Miller's whereabouts

The investigation also revealed that Miller and her estranged husband, John-Paul Miller, had been separated and were involved in the legal system. Deputies said this information led investigators to confirm his whereabouts and a woman John-Paul is allegedly romantically involved with. Investigators confirmed both were not in North Carolina on the night before or the day of Mica's death.

Investigators determined John-Paul traveled to Charleston for a sporting event on April 26, the day before Mica died. This was proven through eyewitnesses and license plate readers. Detectives confirmed he stayed overnight in the Charleston area.

John-Paul Miller returned to Myrtle Beach on April 27. While traveling to and from Charleston, he was with other people.

Mica’s family met with deputies to discuss their investigation findings. However, John-Paul Miller asked the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office to meet him in South Carolina. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said they do not plan to travel to South Carolina.

New reports released Monday detail harassment incidents leading up to Miller's death and that she was "afraid for her life."

Friends and family held a rally Sunday out front of Solid Rock Church, calling for justice for Mica.

Mica's family also held a memorial service Sunday afternoon - at the same time a memorial service, hosted by Mica's estranged husband Pastor John-Paul Miller, was held at the Solid Rock Church.

An announcement made by the church Monday said Pastor John-Paul Miller was released from his ministerial functions for "a time of healing, counsel, and guidance, pursuant to our governing instrument." The church's website was also suspended over the weekend.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8. It's available in English or Spanish 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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