Questions Resurface Over 2021 Drowning of Suzie Skinner’s First Husband Amid JP Miller Scrutiny
Renewed attention surrounding Pastor John-Paul “JP” Miller—spurred by Netflix’s Death of the Pastor’s Wife and an upcoming federal trial—has revived scrutiny over another tragic death in his circle: the September 2021 drowning of Chris Skinner, the first husband of Miller’s current wife, Suzie Skinner.
Speaking on Chris Cuomo’s podcast Cuomo Crime Time, investigative journalist Rich McHugh argued that the circumstances surrounding Chris Skinner’s death warrant far more investigation than authorities originally conducted.
The 2021 Drowning of Chris Skinner
Chris Skinner, a 40-year-old quadriplegic, motivational speaker, and father of twins, died on September 6, 2021 (Labor Day) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina:
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The Incident: Skinner was found unresponsive in a motorized standing wheelchair at the bottom of the Emmens Preserve neighborhood community pool.
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Official Ruling: The Horry County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to drowning and classified the manner as accidental. Myrtle Beach Police closed their initial inquiry within days, finding no probable cause that a crime occurred.
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Surveillance Footage: Security cameras captured Skinner entering the pool deck alone with his dog before 8:00 a.m.. Police reports describe the wheelchair stopping near a curve in the pool before “suddenly moving quickly forward” into the water.
Key Unresolved Discrepancies and Inconsistencies
Critics, independent journalists, and family members point to several unusual details that emerged surrounding the emergency response and subsequent re-examinations:
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The Unproduced DNR: Upon arriving at the scene, Suzie Skinner reportedly told first responders that Chris had an active “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order and left to retrieve paperwork, but never produced it.
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JP Miller’s Scene Presence: Dashcam footage revealed that JP Miller and Mica Miller arrived at the pool area to meet Suzie shortly after emergency services responded—reportedly before members of Chris’s own immediate family were notified.
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Prior Confrontation: According to an affidavit from Miller’s first wife, Alison Williams, Chris Skinner had confronted JP roughly two weeks before the drowning, demanding that the pastor stay away from his wife and children.
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Family Belief: Chris’s sister, Tamara McDermott, has publicly contested the “accidental” ruling, asserting in the Netflix docuseries that she believes Chris’s death may have been an intentional act after he uncovered devastating personal information regarding an alleged affair between Suzie and JP.
Current Investigation Status
While local and state authorities have revisited the case, criminal culpability has not been established:
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Police Inquiries: Myrtle Beach Police reopened a review of the case to conduct additional witness interviews, including interviewing Suzie Skinner, before closing their criminal file again after finding no evidence of foul play.
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Coroner’s Review: The Horry County Coroner’s Office has maintained an open posture regarding the manner of death, continuing to review the case file as new tips emerge.
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Denials: Both JP Miller and Suzie Skinner—who married in June 2025—have consistently denied having an affair while Chris was alive, maintaining their romantic relationship did not begin until long after his passing.
Broader Federal Scrutiny
On Cuomo Crime Time, McHugh noted that federal agencies have taken a wide aperture in probing Miller’s activities beyond South Carolina:
“Her husband died under suspicious circumstances… He was a quadriplegic and was found face down in a pool. And you know, these are things that need to be thoroughly, thoroughly investigated and ruled out… If there’s smoke, there’s fire. And you start seeing smoke all over the horizon.”
McHugh stated that federal prosecutors are examining potential offenses across state lines. While no charges connect Miller to either Chris Skinner’s drowning or Mica Miller’s suicide, Miller remains indicted on federal charges of cyberstalking and lying to federal agents, with proceedings scheduled for the October 2026 court term.
