The FBI has seemingly launched a "parallel" investigation surrounding the death of Mica Miller, the wife of a South Carolina pastor.
As previously reported, Miller, 30, was found on April 27 in Lumber River State Park with a gunshot wound to her head.
The Robeson County Medical Examiner, Dr. Richard Johnson, confirmed that she died by suicide.
Her husband, Pastor John-Paul Miller of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, shared the heartbreaking news during a church service on April 28.
"I got a call late last night, my wife has passed away. It was self-induced and it was up in North Carolina," he told his congregation.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Miller expressed his faith in divine intervention, saying: "She battled suicide but God took care of her and got her through it."
Damien McLean of the Robeson County Sheriff's Office informed PEOPLE on Wednesday that the FBI's field office in Columbia, S.C., is conducting a “parallel investigation” related to the case but clarified that the investigation does not pertain directly to Mica’s death.
McLean did not provide additional details regarding the nature of this investigation.
Pastor Miller was not present in North Carolina at the time of her death. McLean emphasized to PEOPLE that the sheriff's office does not believe John-Paul was involved.
"There's no evidence connecting him to her death," McLean stated. "[The FBI is] investigating separate from her death. Her death has been ruled [a] suicide."
Kevin Wheeler, a spokesperson for the FBI's Columbia field office, confirmed communication with Robeson County authorities but declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation.
"The truth is, the Robinson County Sheriff Department put out a statement saying that [the FBI was investigating], and all that I can tell you is that we have communicated with them. Beyond that, I can't give you any details," Wheeler said.
A statement from the FBI's national office of public affairs echoed this sentiment: "We have no comment and can neither confirm nor deny an investigation because of longstanding DOJ policy."
McLean further clarified that the FBI's investigation is "going along with our investigation" but stressed that the bureau is “not investigating any death.” "It's not connected to, it's not the same investigation," he added.
Despite the ruling of Mica's death as suicide, speculation about potential foul play persists among her loved ones.
"Unfortunately, rumors and conspiracy theories were spreading quickly, and assumptions were being made," Sheriff Burnis Wilkins stated on May 7.
"However, in the end, we must make decisions based on the facts and evidence that has been gathered," Wilkins added, noting that "the evidence [of a suicide] is quite clear and compelling."
Reports have highlighted a strained relationship between Mica and Pastor Miller, with divorce proceedings underway and allegations of abuse emerging.
Before her death, Mica posted a video on Facebook addressing abuse and offering support to those affected.
Authorities released Mica's 911 call to quell speculations. In the call made on April 27, Mica expressed her intention to end her life and requested authorities trace her phone to her location in a wooded area, where she was later found deceased.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
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