By Gavin Fish, June 24, 2024
Newly released documents provide insight into the circumstances surrounding Mica Francis Miller’s death, highlighting the discovery of shell casings and details from the medical examiner’s report.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call the 24/7 National Suicide & Crisis hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, or go to 988Lifeline.org.
The investigation into the death of Mica Francis Miller has taken a new turn with the release of documents detailing critical findings. Mica Miller, who passed away on April 27, 2024 in an apparent suicide, was found at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a medical examiner’s report shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her death.
The most notable finding was the discovery of two spent shell casings and one live round approximately 100 feet from Mica’s body. Mica was found prone and submerged in the water near tree limbs. The weapon involved was a SIG Sauer 9mm handgun, which was retrieved from the river about five feet from the shore. The serial number on the gun matched a receipt found in Mica’s car, confirming that she had purchased the firearm earlier that day.
The medical examiner, Jennifer Altman, noted that an autopsy was not performed. This decision has sparked debate, as some consider it suspicious. However, Altman explained that the external examination, combined with Mica’s known mental health history and her call to 911 expressing suicidal intent, made an autopsy unnecessary in their view.
The report highlighted that Mica had a history of bipolar disorder and a previous suicide attempt. On the day of her death, she had been seen on surveillance cameras and had spoken to a 911 dispatcher, indicating her intention to take her own life. Her body was discovered by a kayaker who alerted authorities.
Additional findings included the presence of liver mortis on the posterior of her body, suggesting she was initially placed on her back after being retrieved from the water. There was also a closed skull fracture noted on her forehead and the back of her head, likely caused by the percussive blast of the gunshot.
The report mentioned Mica’s clothing and personal effects, including a distinctive necklace and ring. There were also minute postmortem wounds consistent with retrieval from the river and brush, which were noted as non-bleeding due to the lack of blood pressure postmortem.
The case remains complex, with some aspects still under scrutiny, such as the distance between the shell casings and Mica’s body, and the exact sequence of events leading to her death. Despite the findings, questions linger about the possibility of foul play, though the official stance remains that Mica took her own life.
