News Summary
The Myrtle Beach police have officially closed the investigation into the drowning of Christopher Skinner, a paralyzed man who died on September 6, 2021. The case was reopened in January 2025 due to new evidence but has ultimately been ruled an accident without foul play. This conclusion has raised questions surrounding the involvement of local pastor John-Paul Miller and the circumstances prior to Skinner’s death, leaving the community seeking further clarity on the events surrounding this tragic incident.
Myrtle Beach Police Wrap Up Investigation on Drowning Incident
Myrtle Beach has been buzzing with new developments as the police have officially closed the case concerning the tragic drowning of Christopher Skinner, a paralyzed man who lost his life on September 6, 2021. The investigation, which was reopened in January 2025 after fresh evidence surfaced, has now officially concluded.
The Incident
Christopher Skinner was discovered unresponsive in the pool of his residence located in the Emmens Preserve neighborhood of The Market Common. For those unfamiliar with the area, it’s a lovely, bustling community popular among families and retirees alike. When the incident first occurred, it was ruled an accident by the local coroner’s office. However, it seems that curiosity and the quest for the truth have kept this case alive.
New Evidence Comes to Light
According to police spokesperson Randolph Angotti, after further probing, it was determined that there were no signs of foul play associated with Skinner’s drowning, leading to the case’s closure in March 2025. This week, local authorities confirmed that the coroner’s office received new evidence shedding light on the manner of Skinner’s death. Although the initial findings pointed towards an accident, the investigation took a twist when connected accusations against Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller arose.
The Pastor and the Investigation
In a strange turn of events, it appears the ongoing discussions surrounding Pastor Miller have added layers to Skinner’s case. Miller has been implicated in controversy following the death of his estranged wife, Mica Miller, who tragically died by suicide in April 2024. Both Christopher and Mica had attended Solid Rock Church, which was pastored by Miller before he transitioned to a new congregation called Mercy Church. This background already sets the stage for suspicion, as Skinner had addressed concerns about an alleged affair involving his wife just weeks before he passed away.
Family Impact
Skinner’s sister, Tamra McDermott, played a crucial role in pushing for in-depth police investigations. She insisted on thorough reviews of video footage and during this process, inconsistencies in the reports regarding Skinner’s drowning began to emerge. Some reports suggested he fell into the pool by getting too close to the edge, while others claimed he had made a circle around the pool before entering the water. This discrepancy raised eyebrows and certainly fueled the family’s growing concerns.
Miller’s Involvement
Adding to the intrigue, video evidence surfaced showing that John-Paul Miller arrived approximately 40 minutes after Skinner had already been pulled from the water, which leads to even more questions. Was he called by Skinner’s wife? What was his purpose at that moment? These are the kinds of questions swirling in the minds of those following the case closely.
A Broader Context of Concern
In the months leading up to his death, reports indicated that Skinner suffered a significant mental health decline. He expressed dissatisfaction towards Miller, which has sparked discussions about the pastor’s influence on his life. The unfolding investigation into Mica Miller’s death has attracted national attention, highlighting alleged claims of abuse made by her family against John-Paul Miller, which he has adamantly denied.
Future Implications
As the investigation comes to an end, the community still yearns for answers. The FBI even searched John-Paul Miller’s home in November 2024, although the motives for that search remain undisclosed. The developments might put not just Skinner’s family but the entire Myrtle Beach community in a state of reflection. While the case is officially closed, the lingering questions surrounding the relationships and events leading up to Skinner’s death suggest that this story may have many more chapters yet to unfold.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach news
- My Horry News
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach shooting
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WBTW News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Solid Rock Church
