A Solid Rock Church parishioner pepper-sprayed protesters outside the South Carolina house of worship after a service last Sunday, leading to his arrest and five misdemeanor assault charges.
The incident comes amid sustained protests at the church in support of Mica Miller, 30, the wife of Pastor John-Paul, 44, who died by suicide on April 27, two days after she filed for divorce.
Robert W. Lochel, 67, was seen on cellphone video shooting water at a line of protesters with a “pressurized sprayer,” according to an incident report filed by the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Police described the protest as “peaceful” and added that Lochel only “admitted his actions due to his wife’s frustrations.” gave up to the police on Monday.
John-Paul has so far declined to comment on the assault by his church member, although he was relieved of his ministerial duties in early May.
Robert W. Lochel, 67, was seen aiming a pressurized sprayer at a group of protesters on the sidewalk in front of Solid Rock Church. Police described the protesters as “peaceful.”
Lochel, who appears in his arrest photo, admitted to committing the assault because of “frustrations from his wife,” according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department report.
Dozens of friends and residents who believe Mica’s death occurred under mysterious circumstances have been protesting outside Solid Rock Church during Sunday services for at least a month straight.
One protester told NewsNation in early June that she would demonstrate outside the church every Sunday “until we find justice for Mica.”
Some cold water was poured over speculation surrounding her death in late June, when it was confirmed that Mica’s cause of death was in fact suicide.
A toxicology report obtained by DailyMail.com dismissed claims that her ex-husband may have drugged her before her death.
Mica’s divorce lawyer Regina Ward previously claimed that JP had been prescribed lithium before Mica died and alleged that he may have given this to his wife to subdue her.
The lawyer also claimed he could have controlled Mica while she was in that alleged state, telling DailyMail.com he was a “narcissist” who was “projecting his personal diagnosis”.
But since the report showed no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death, this version of events turned out to be inaccurate.
Mica Miller’s death has been confirmed as a suicide, according to an autopsy and toxicology report obtained by DailyMail.com nearly two months after she was found with a fatal gunshot wound.
John-Paul was seen leaving his lawyer’s office days after being released from his duties at Solid Rock at Market Common Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
John-Paul is still receiving criticism for his bizarre behavior after his wife was found dead in Lumber River State Park from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Miller shocked his congregation at Solid Rock when, after a service in which he laughed and seemed completely at ease, he announced that his wife had died and that her death was “self-induced.”
He was also caught drinking and dining with another woman four days after Mica’s death, DailyMail.com revealed.
The photos show the pastor laughing while apparently on a date with the woman, identified as Suzie Skinner, 49.
Before announcing her intention to split from John-Paul in April, Mica filed for divorce from her husband in October after discovering he was having multiple affairs, according to documents obtained by DailyMail.com.
He withdrew the application in February, just two months before his death. It is not known why he did so.
Photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show Solid Rock Church pastor JP Miller having dinner with another woman, identified as Suzie Skinner, on May 1.
Divorce documents obtained by DailyMail.com reveal Mica filed for divorce in October last year “on the grounds of adultery.”
There is also a belief that John-Paul groomed Mica, as she met him when she was just 14 years old as a member of her church’s youth group.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, which has been handling the investigation into Mica’s death, has been coordinating with the FBI and federal prosecutors.
Although the FBI has not commented, it is understood Mica kept a diary detailing her struggle and abusive marriage before her death.
Mica posted a video on Facebook several weeks before her death talking about marital abuse and offering support to “ANYONE who is struggling to get out of a dangerous situation because they think God will be ‘mad’ at them.”
“God hates divorce, but why? According to everyone I’ve asked and the scriptures I’ve seen, it’s because it hurts people. But does abuse hurt people? What do you think God thinks about that?” Mica added.
Mica, left, and John-Paul, right, are pictured wearing the same necklace. Mica is pictured in Ring doorbell footage on the day of her death wearing what John-Paul said was her favorite necklace.
Mica Miller’s sister Sierra (left) shared a series of disturbing texts from her ex-husband during an altercation between the couple in 2022.
The messages show Miller texted Sierra saying he was heading to her house, where Mica was staying in November 2022.
An example of potentially abusive behaviour by John-Paul came to light through disturbing text messages he sent threatening Mica’s family 18 months before his marriage to Mica broke down.
At that point, he texted his sister-in-law Sierra telling her he would come to her house “armed” and “ready,” DailyMail.com reported.
In probate court records, Mica’s family has accused John-Paul of abusing her and forcing her to live in fear.
He is accused in court documents of manipulating Mica for years beginning when she was 14, putting her in a hospital so he could steal her car and cheating on his first wife, Alison, with underage parishioners.
He has not been charged in connection with her death.