Podcasts > Rotten Mango > #370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

#370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

By Stephanie Soo & Ramble

The death of Micah raises questions about foul play or suicide as serious allegations of abuse and manipulation emerge against her husband JP, a pastor. The podcast explores how JP's controlling behaviors, including isolation tactics and denigrating comments, may have led to the breakdown of their marriage. Suspicions surround JP's actions before and after Micah's death, with some suggesting he had motives for wanting to be single.

The episode covers the legal separation filing, custody battles over the children's well-being, and JP's questionable behavior during Micah's memorial service. It examines the inconsistencies in the police investigation, leaving listeners to ponder whether Micah's death was indeed a suicide or if more sinister circumstances were involved.

#370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

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#370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

1-Page Summary

Allegations of Abuse and Manipulation

Serious allegations have emerged about JP's abusive and manipulative behavior towards Micah. JP is accused of isolating Micah from family and friends, making false claims to discredit her, hacking her accounts, depriving her of sleep, and denigrating her self-worth by calling her lazy, mentally ill, and an inadequate Christian.

Allegations of Long-Term Manipulation

Speculations suggest JP's manipulation may have begun when Micah was 15 and part of his church where he was a youth pastor. Her marriage to his friend Jeremy seemed orchestrated, allowing JP to exert control over Micah.

Micah's Death: Suicide or Foul Play?

Micah's death has sparked debates - authorities ruled it a suicide based on evidence like the 911 call and JP's alibi, while netizens raise doubts about inconsistencies like shell casings' distance from her body and the lack of a suicide note.

Theory: JP Killed Micah

Suspicion has fallen on JP due to his relationship with Susie Skinner around Micah's death, the questionable reliability of his alibi, and perceived motives for wanting to be single. Some suggest an unconnected third party could also be involved.

Events Leading to Micah's Death

Micah filed for divorce in October 2023, alleging JP's abuse and infidelity. After their separation, JP reportedly harassed, intimidated, and undermined Micah financially. Days before her death, Micah filed for legal separation, served to JP 48 hours prior.

Responses from Involved Parties

JP's behavior at Micah's memorial and in videos has been seen as bizarre and insensitive by many. Micah's ex-wife Allison has voiced concerns over JP's erratic actions and the children's safety, filing for full custody citing an unstable environment under JP's care.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can learn to recognize signs of manipulation by keeping a journal of interactions that make you feel uncomfortable or controlled. Write down instances where you feel someone is trying to isolate you from others, discredit your feelings, or invade your privacy. Over time, this can help you identify patterns of behavior that may be manipulative.
  • Enhance your understanding of healthy relationship boundaries by creating a personal boundary map. On a piece of paper, draw boundaries around different aspects of your life such as personal space, finances, social media, and sleep. Decide what you are comfortable with and communicate these boundaries to those around you to prevent potential abuse or manipulation.
  • Protect your online presence by regularly updating your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on all your accounts. This simple step can prevent unauthorized access and give you peace of mind that your personal information is secure, reducing the risk of someone hacking into your accounts.

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#370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

Allegations of abuse and manipulation by JP against Micah

Allegations have surfaced about JP's abuse and manipulative behavior towards Micah, causing concern and prompting discussions about the extent of his control and influence over her life.

JP allegedly isolated Micah from her family and friends, telling her that they were not good for her

JP is accused of isolating Micah from her loved ones by convincing her that they were using her and weren't good for her. Micah's behavioral changes were noticeable to her family after marrying JP, with her demeanor becoming increasingly sad and controlled. When she sought refuge with a sibling to escape the alleged abuse, JP aggressively sought her out, insisting that she return home and using guilt-inducing tactics to manipulate her back into what she perceived as an abusive situation.

JP allegedly hacked into Micah's accounts, sending messages to people pretending to be her and making false claims to discredit her

The allegations include JP electronically harassing Micah by hacking into her personal accounts, including email, iCloud, and Facebook. He is said to have impersonated Micah in communications with church members and family, making false claims, such as her being involved with teenagers from their church. JP reportedly placed GPS trackers in her vehicle, claiming concerns for her safety due to a mental health diagnosis, which he alleged as bipolar 2 schizophrenia and dependent personality disorder.

JP allegedly would not let Micah sleep, pulling the covers off of her when she started to doze off, forcing her to sleep in her car

JP's alleged behavior extended to sabotaging Micah's sleep by pulling the covers off of her to prevent her from sleeping, culminating in her seeking rest in her own vehicle to escape his control.

JP allegedly told Micah that she was lazy, mentally ill, and not a good Christian woman if she did not submit to him

The abuse reportedly included JP attacking Micah's self-worth, calling her lazy, mentally ill, and an inadequate Christian if she did not comply with his demands. He compelled her to participate in humi ...

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Allegations of abuse and manipulation by JP against Micah

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

...

Actionables

  • You can educate yourself on the signs of manipulation and abuse by reading books or articles written by experts in psychology and relationship dynamics. Understanding the tactics used by manipulators, such as isolation, intimidation, and financial control, can help you recognize these behaviors in your own relationships or those of people around you. For example, if you notice a friend becoming increasingly withdrawn and their partner is overly controlling, this knowledge could prompt you to reach out and offer support.
  • Create a personal safety plan that includes strategies for maintaining your independence in a relationship. This might involve setting up your own bank account, having a separate social circle, and knowing the contact information for local support services. By ensuring you have access to your own resources and a network of support, you can protect yourself from becoming too reliant on a partner who may exhibit controlling behavior.
  • Practice a ...

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#370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

Theories and evidence around the circumstances of Micah's death

The untimely death of Micah has sparked heated debates and theories about the true cause, with discussions focusing on whether it was a suicide or whether others, including JP, may have been involved.

Theory that Micah died by suicide, supported by the 911 call and JP's alibi

Law enforcement has ruled Micah's death a self-exit based on the evidence from a medical examiner that showed no signs of foul play. Authorities believe she was alone at Lumber River State Park when she died, as per the 911 call she made, indicating her intent to harm herself. Adding weight to the suicide theory, JP has a verified alibi as he was at a sporting event several hours away, his truck being tracked en route.

Fishermen in the park reported hearing only one gunshot, and CCTV from the pawn shop where Micah bought the gun showed she was alone, with police finding the receipt in Micah's car. Some at the Solid Rock Church allege Micah had previous attempts at self-harm. Eyewitnesses corroborating JP's alibi, along with Micah's phone records indicating searches for the pawn shop and park, lend further support to this assessment.

However, netizens question the suicide explanation, citing concerns like the distance between the shell casings and Micah's body, her apparent willingness to warn family of her location only to walk off the beaten path, and an absence of a traditional suicide note.

Netizens question details like the distance between the shell casings and Micah's body, and the lack of a suicide note

Documents state two spent casings were found near Micah's body, which seems unusual as typically only one shot is fired in cases of suicide. Furthermore, netizens find it doubtful how her body ended up 100 feet away from the casings in a still and shallow river, raising skepticism about the suicide theory. Additionally, people note inconsistencies in the CCTV footage where Micah appears without her cross tattoo and necklace.

Theory that JP killed Micah, either directly or by hiring someone

Suspicion fell on JP when netizens learned of his relationship with Susie Skinner and the timing of events. Four days after Micah's death, JP and Susie Skinner were seen together at a sushi bar, and Susie was observed with JP's truck, leading some to believe there was motive and opportunity for foul play.

JP's relationship with Susie Skinner and the timing of events raise suspicion

Speculators theorize that JP, eager to be single or free, might have killed Micah or hired someone to make her death look like a suicide, suggested by the inconsistencies with JP's alibi and circumstances. Netizens point to how JP parked on the street, possibly to conceal his meeting with Susie Skinner.

Netizens doubt the reliability of JP's alibi and the police investigation

Questions swirl around ...

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Theories and evidence around the circumstances of Micah's death

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The medical examiner's conclusion of suicide may not account for all forensic evidence, such as the distance between the shell casings and Micah's body.
  • JP's alibi, while verified, could be questioned due to the tinted windows of his truck, which prevent positive identification of the driver.
  • The report of a single gunshot by fishermen does not necessarily exclude the possibility of foul play.
  • Micah being alone in the CCTV footage from the pawn shop does not preclude someone else from influencing her actions before or after that point.
  • Phone records showing searches for the pawn shop and park could be interpreted in multiple ways and do not definitively prove intent.
  • The absence of a suicide note is not conclusive evidence against suicide, as not all individuals leave notes.
  • The presence of two spent casings could suggest a malfunction or a second shot that missed, which is not unheard of in suicides.
  • The location of Micah's body could be explained by post-mortem movement or other environmental factors.
  • Inconsistencies in CCTV footage could be due to video quality, angle, or other technical issues.
  • JP's relationship with Susie Skinner and the timing of events could be coincidental and not indicative of guilt.
  • Speculation about JP's motive for murder is not evidence of actual wrongdoing.
  • The reliability of e ...

Actionables

  • You can enhance your critical thinking skills by practicing analyzing different scenarios with the same facts. Take a news story or a mystery novel and list out the facts as presented. Then, like a detective, try to construct different plausible narratives that fit those facts. This exercise will help you understand how different interpretations can arise from the same evidence.
  • Develop your research skills by exploring public records and databases to gather information on a topic of interest. Choose a local event or public figure and use online resources to collect data, such as court records, property information, or business affiliations. This will give you hands-on experience in piecing together information that can lead to informed conclusions.
  • Improve your understanding of ...

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#370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

Timeline of events leading up to Micah's death, including her separation from JP

The following details outline a timeline leading up to the tragic death of Micah, highlighting the tumultuous events surrounding her separation and legal issues with her husband, JP.

Micah filed for divorce in October 2023, alleging abuse and infidelity by JP

In October 2023, Micah Miller took the significant step of filing for divorce from JP. She cited multiple grounds for the divorce, including emotional, sexual, spiritual, financial, and physical abuse. Along with these serious allegations, she accused JP of infidelity. Micah stated multiple instances of JP cheating on her, naming individuals such as Susie Skinner from their church.

Micah experienced harassment and intimidation from JP after the separation, including threats and tracking devices on her car

Following the separation, the situation escalated further. JP is said to have harassed Micah both physically and electronically. In a chilling statement to her sister, Micah expressed fear for her life, noting that "if I end up with a bullet in my head it's not by me it was JP." This statement would become hauntingly relevant to the manner in which she was later found dead.

There were also reports of JP installing tracking devices on Micah's vehicle, evidencing a pattern of intimidation and control. JP's unsettling behavior was further supported by Allison, JP’s ex-wife, who reported finding holes in their walls and negative affirmations about Micah scattered around their shared house.

In addition to these hostile actions, JP allegedly made maneuvers to undermine Micah financially: he sold the marital home to the church without her control and transferred other investments to his son's name, moves likely designed to limit Micah's claim to the marital estate during the divorce proceedings.

The legal proceedings continued as Micah filed for legal separation in April 2024. The papers for this separation were served to ...

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Timeline of events leading up to Micah's death, including her separation from JP

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

...

Actionables

- You can create a personal safety plan if you're facing a similar situation, which includes changing passwords, securing personal documents, and setting up a support network of friends and trusted individuals who are aware of your circumstances.

  • Having a safety plan is crucial when dealing with harassment or intimidation. Start by changing all your passwords and ensuring your personal documents are in a secure location that only you can access. Inform friends or family members you trust about your situation so they can offer support and help keep you safe. Additionally, consider using a post office box for mail to prevent unwanted tracking of your address.
  • Educate yourself on legal rights and resources available for individuals going through a separation or divorce to protect your interests and well-being.
  • Understanding your legal rights is essential when navigating a separation or divorce. Research local laws regarding marital property, spousal support, and personal protection. Familiarize yourself with the process of filing for legal separation or divorce, and know what documentation you'll need. Reach out to legal aid societies or pro bono legal services if you cannot afford a lawyer. They can provide guidance and help you understand how to protect your assets and personal safety.
  • Document any instances of harassment or intimidation meticulously, ...

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#370: Toxic Pastor Humiliates Wife In Sermon, She Leaves Him, Then Found Mysteriously Dead In River

Responses and actions of the involved parties (JP, Micah's family, the church community)

In a complex narrative tinged with grief and controversy, JP, Micah's family, and the church community navigate an unsettling series of actions and events after Micah's passing.

JP's behavior at Micah's memorial service and in social media videos is seen as bizarre and insensitive by many

JP's behavior surrounding the loss of Micah -- from giving commentary at her memorial service to discussing attempts at resurrection -- has been perceived by many as bizarre and insensitive. Particularly at Solid Rock Church, the commentary he made on a slideshow of Micah during the service and the sermon he gave were found off-putting by listeners. His remarks ranged from descriptions of Micah's appearance to discussing their discrepancies in interests, such as Micah's desire for tattoos and skydiving.

Additionally, JP's decision to wear Micah's necklace during an interview and discuss his opinion of her mental health openly has been questioned for its appropriateness and sensitivity. For some, JP's actions and statements—speaking about trying to resurrect Micah, mistaking someone for her in the mall, and detailing her struggles with mental health in front of church members—raise concerns about his stability and his influence over the church community.

Micah's family, especially her ex-wife Allison, have been vocal in their concerns about JP's actions and the safety of the children

Allison, Micah's ex-wife, has become an outspoken figure regarding concerns for her children's well-being, given JP's erratic behavior and alleged deterioration of mental health. She has pointed out patterns of irrational behavior in JP and stated that the children do not feel comfortable under his care. Furthermore, JP's descriptions of Micah's mental health issues in sermons with th ...

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Responses and actions of the involved parties (JP, Micah's family, the church community)

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

...

Actionables

- You can enhance your emotional intelligence by keeping a journal where you reflect on your reactions to stressful situations, noting what triggers you and how you could respond more appropriately. This practice can help you become more aware of your behavior and its impact on others, especially in sensitive contexts.

  • Develop a personal code of conduct for social media and public interactions that includes guidelines on privacy, respect, and sensitivity. This can serve as a self-check mechanism to ensure your online and public persona aligns with your values, particularly when discussing personal or delicate matters.
  • Create a support syst ...

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