Attorney for Mica Miller’s Husband Pushes Back on 'False Accusations' About Pastor and Her Death

Police have ruled that Mica Miller died by suicide, which her husband's attorney says “completely exonerates" the pastor

An attorney for John-Paul Miller, the estranged husband of Mica Miller, has released a statement refuting the “unfounded rumors and false accusations” about the death of the pastor's wife.

Attorney Russell B. Long published a press release on Thursday, May 9 “to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic passing of Mica Miller,” who was found dead on April 27 at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina.

Police said Mica died by suicide, adding that the evidence appeared to be “quite clear and compelling.” However, friends as well as many online have expressed uncertainty over what happened.

“Following the untimely death of Mica Miller, unfounded rumors and false accusations began circulating on social media and in various media outlets, suggesting Pastor Miller’s involvement in her demise," Long wrote in the release, which was obtained by PEOPLE.

The attorney went on to note that following a thorough investigation, Mica's death was ruled a suicide, a finding which “completely exonerates Pastor Miller of any wrongdoing.”

In the press release, the attorney went on to allege that Mica “struggled with mental illness,” which “when not properly managed, led to paranoid episodes and self-destructive behavior.”

As the letter came to a close, Long called for an immediate stop to the spreading of narratives that perpetuate “harmful falsehoods.”

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In a separate news release, shared on May 7, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office shared an outline of events from the day Mica died, including images of her leaving home shortly before noon.

The RSCO said Mica called authorities from Lumber River State Park, where she was later found in a body of water. They confirmed that John-Paul and Mica were separated and estranged, as well. In their statement, the sheriff's office also said they determined Mica’s husband was at an athletic event in Charleston on the day of Mica's death. Additionally, neither he nor a woman he is "allegedly romantically involved with" were in North Carolina on the night before and the day of Mica’s death.

They also pushed back on "conspiracy theories" surrounding her death.

“This incident has garnered much attention from across the Carolinas and beyond. I want to assure everyone that a very methodical investigation was conducted by our Criminal Investigations Team and Crime Scene Investigative Team," Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said in a statement.

Related: Pastor Who Died Holding 2 Sons After Saving Wife and Other Kids in Fire Was 'So Loving' (Exclusive)

"Unfortunately, rumors and conspiracy theories were spreading quickly, and assumptions were being made," Wilkins added. "However, in the end, we must make decisions based on the facts, and evidence that has been gathered."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

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