News Summary
Pastor John-Paul Miller of Myrtle Beach has dropped his defamation lawsuit against Melissa Mancari while the local church, Solid Rock Church, has sold its property amidst controversies. Miller’s wife Mica’s tragic death spurred protests and claims regarding his behavior, leading to the church’s closure. Now, as he attempts to restart his ministry with Mercy Church, the community watches closely amidst ongoing legal troubles and public scrutiny.
Myrtle Beach Pastor John-Paul Miller Drops Defamation Lawsuit and Church Property Sold Amid Ongoing Controversies
Myrtle Beach has found itself at the center of a troubling saga as local pastor John-Paul Miller recently announced that he has dropped his multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against paralegal Melissa Mancari. This decision came on February 19, 2025, a notable turn in a story filled with personal tragedy and public outcry.
A Bumpy Legal Journey
Miller, who is 45 years old, initially filed the lawsuit in September 2024, claiming that Mancari labeled him a killer in public statements. He was seeking a whopping $1 million in damages, plus an additional $5 million in punitive damages. However, after a series of legal twists and turns, including Mancari’s motion to dismiss the case on February 14, 2025, citing that Miller had not moved forward with the case, he ultimately decided to dismiss it without prejudice. This meant that he could potentially bring the lawsuit back in the future if he found it necessary.
It seems that one deciding factor for Miller was the fact that Mancari had ceased making comments he deemed defamatory, combined with difficulties he faced in serving her with the lawsuit documents. Perhaps the waves of controversy surrounding him and his past also contributed to his change of heart.
Tragic Events Leading to Outrage
Controversy surrounding Miller intensified after the tragic death of his wife, Mica Miller, who died by suicide on April 27, 2024, just two days after serving him with divorce papers. The fallout from her death was immense, sparking speculation, protests, and accusations against Miller regarding his role in her struggles. Although authorities ruled Mica’s death a suicide, many of her supporters have claimed there was foul play involved, further complicating the narrative.
Following Mica’s passing, her family leveled allegations of abuse against Miller, which he vehemently denied. This led to public protests outside Solid Rock Church, which had been founded by Miller and was known for its growing congregation until the dark clouds of scandal emerged. The protests echoed with the rallying cry of “Justice for Mica,” turning local support against the pastor.
Church Closures and Property Sales
The challenges continued for Miller when Solid Rock Church, once a sanctuary for many, closed its doors in November 2024 amid the uproar. Not long after, on February 14, 2025, the church property was sold off to Salem Woods Holdings LLC for just over $2.1 million. There are plans to redevelop the site into condominiums, marking a significant shift from its original purpose as a place of worship.
Interestingly, Solid Rock Church had a rich history dating back to 1958, initially serving as a chapel for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Under Miller’s leadership, the church had attracted a devoted following since its establishment in 2006, which makes its closure even more poignant.
Continuing Legal Battles
Despite the challenges, Miller hasn’t backed down. He has filed a slew of lawsuits against various individuals linked to the protests, having submitted 19 lawsuits in January 2025 alone. However, many of these have already been dismissed as frivolous. Making matters more complicated, Miller faced arrests in November 2024 for allegedly assaulting a protester outside his former church.
Fresh Starts and Ongoing Challenges
Amid the storm, Miller has been attempting to start afresh with a new congregation called Mercy Church. Currently, services are being held in temporary locations while the pastor tries to rebuild his reputation and following, a monumental task given the deep scars left by the past events.
A History of Struggles
As a final layer to this complex story, it is crucial to note that Miller’s personal life has been turbulent, with allegations of infidelity from previous marriages casting long shadows. His late wife, Mica, also had a documented history of mental health challenges, which her family has disputed, offering a stark contrast to Miller’s public representations.
With so many threads weaving through this tale, Myrtle Beach stands witness to a drama overshadowed by pain, anger, and longing for justice. It remains to be seen how all these events will continue to unfold, but for now, the community watches with keen eyes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Horry County Police Arrest 88 in Major Drug and Retail Crime Sweep
Myrtle Beach Sees Heavy Sentencing in Domestic Violence Case
SCDOT Faces Court Over Myrtle Beach Land Dispute
Myrtle Beach Faces Unusual Weather Weekend
Legal Turmoil Plagues Pastor John-Paul Miller in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced in Domestic Violence Case
Horry County Widow Seeks Answers Following Mysterious Death of Wife in Jail
Myrtle Beach Celebrates Black History Month with Gala
Concerns Grow Over Former First Presbyterian Church Plans
Family Formal Dance Coming to North Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Post and Courier
- Christian Post
- Google Search: John-Paul Miller
- Wikipedia: John-Paul Miller
