Paralyzed Army Veteran Committed Suicide After Learning of Wife's Affair With South Carolina Pastor

Army veteran Chris Skinner was found dead in a swimming pool

Chris Skinner, a 41-year-old paralyzed Army veteran, was found dead in a neighborhood swimming pool in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on September 6, 2021. The initial investigations by law enforcement and the coroner’s office concluded the case as a suicide. However, the coroner’s office has recently reopened its investigation following new evidence, though there is no indication of foul play.

Tamra McDermott, Skinner’s sister, has raised concerns over inconsistencies in the official reports. She highlighted discrepancies between police and coroner statements regarding how Skinner entered the pool, despite both parties having reviewed the same CCTV footage. The coroner’s report suggested that Skinner slipped in after getting too close to the edge, whereas the police report indicated that he stopped at a curve before moving forward into the water. Additionally, new witness testimony has surfaced, contradicting accounts given by Skinner’s wife, Suzie, and others present at the scene.

South Carolina preacher John-Paul Miller poses with his now-late wife, Mica Miller

McDermott emphasized the inconsistencies in the investigative reports, noting that some information provided at the scene may have been inaccurate. Skinner, who became a quadriplegic at age 20 following a car accident, met Suzie while she was assigned to him as his physical therapist during his recovery.

Two weeks before his death, Skinner confronted Pastor John-Paul Miller, 44, accusing him of having an affair with Suzie and demanding an end to the relationship. Miller, who has denied the allegations, is also linked to another high-profile case. His wife, Mica Miller, 30, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lumbee River State Park, North Carolina, in April 2023, days after filing for divorce. In November, the FBI searched Miller’s home for reasons that remain undisclosed. Recently, Suzie admitted to the affair as part of an unrelated legal case involving Miller, in which he faces accusations of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 1998—charges he has denied.

Miller has separately been accused of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1998

Skinner distanced himself from Miller’s church, Solid Rock Ministries, approximately four to five months before his death after attending services there for three years. McDermott stated that her brother had expressed a strong dislike for Miller and was experiencing emotional distress at the time. Investigators initially did not contact McDermott or Skinner’s parents, despite their residence in Myrtle Beach, due to incorrect information suggesting that Skinner had no family in the area.

Skinner’s sister Tamra McDermott, here with her brother, claimed he took his own life after learning of his wife’s affair.

McDermott believes that renewed public interest in the circumstances surrounding Mica Miller’s death has led to more witnesses coming forward in relation to Skinner’s case. She hopes that the investigation will uncover the full truth about her brother’s passing, stating, “Truth brings healing, and then it results in peace. I would like to feel peaceful when I think about my brother’s passing.”

A representative for the Horry County Coroner’s Office confirmed that their investigation remains open and is independent of the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s initial inquiry. Solid Rock Ministries has not provided any comment regarding the case.

Miller’s wife Mica was discovered dead in a national park last year.