The murder trial of Larry Millete, who is accused of killing his missing wife Maya “May” Millete, began in May 2026. The case presents unique challenges for both the prosecution and defense because Maya’s body has never been found, and there is no confirmed cause of death.
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During the initial days of the trial, testimony from family members, friends, and investigators highlighted several unusual details regarding the timeline and behaviors immediately following her disappearance on January 7, 2021:
Delayed Concern and Initial Explanations
The Husband’s Initial Reaction: Maya’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet, testified that when family members went to the couple’s Chula Vista home after Maya missed a planned family trip, Larry appeared unconcerned. He told them Maya had simply “probably went for a hike” and remarked, “She’ll come home. This is what she does.”
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Discouraging Police Involvement: When her sister expressed an immediate desire to contact the police, Larry reportedly told her, “No, just wait. She’ll be home.”
Lack of Participation: Family members testified that Larry did not assist with the community search efforts, flyers, billboards, or media appearances that followed.
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Missing Items vs. Left Behind Belongings
According to details from the Chula Vista Police Department investigation:
While Maya vanished unexpectedly, her vehicle remained parked at the family home.
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Her identification, debit card, and cell phone were missing, and she abruptly stopped communicating on the family’s group chat the same day she had contacted a divorce attorney.
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Circumstantial Evidence Highlighted by Prosecutors
Because this is a “no-body” case, prosecutors are relying heavily on a trail of unusual circumstantial evidence from the days and months surrounding her disappearance:
The 12-Hour Drive: On the morning after prosecutors believe Maya was killed, Larry left the house and drove between 400 to 600 miles. During this entire 12-hour window, his cell phone was turned off. He later claimed to authorities that he had simply been at the beach with his son.
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Audio and Forensic Evidence: Neighbors’ security cameras captured loud bangs on the night of her disappearance. While Chula Vista Police found no blood inside the residence, neighborhood surveillance four months later captured a fire in the Milletes’ backyard; her burnt credit card was subsequently discovered among the ashes.
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Prior Warnings: A close friend and coworker testified that Maya had previously confided in her, stating, “If anything were to ever happen to her, it would be Larry,” and adding that he would never let her leave.
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Larry Millete has maintained his innocence and has pleaded not guilty, with his defense team arguing that there is no direct proof a murder occurred and maintaining that Maya left the home voluntarily.
