Maya Millete, a Southern California mother who vanished in January 2021, was memorialized during an emotional two-month murder trial that concluded Friday when her husband Larry Millete was convicted of killing her—despite investigators never locating her body.
The conviction brought relief to family members who have spent more than five years searching for answers about the 39-year-old mother's disappearance from their Chula Vista home. Prosecutors argued throughout the trial that Millete killed his wife during a domestic dispute and disposed of her remains in an area that has never been identified.
Background
Maya Millete was reported missing on January 10, 2021, after she failed to show up for work at a local dental office where she served as a receptionist. Her three children—ages 5, 7, and 11 at the time—were found alone in the family's home when authorities responded to a welfare check requested by concerned relatives.
Investigators quickly focused on Larry Millete, who was arrested approximately two months after his wife's disappearance. Court documents revealed that he had allegedly searched for ways to kill or harm people online in the weeks before Maya vanished—a detail prosecutors would later present as evidence of premeditation.
The case presented unique challenges for investigators and prosecutors alike. Without a body, no forensic evidence tying Millete directly to a crime scene, and limited physical proof of what happened that day, authorities built their circumstantial case around digital activity, witness testimony, and the couple's tumultuous relationship history.
The Trial
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced following the verdict that the prosecution presented evidence demonstrating Maya Millete was alive in the days before her disappearance but never left the family home for any legitimate reason thereafter. Digital forensic analysis played a central role in the state's case.
"This jury heard two months of testimony from 85 witnesses and reviewed over 1,000 pieces of evidence," District Attorney Stephan said during a press conference following the verdict. "They concluded what this office has maintained since day one—that Maya Millete did not leave her family willingly."
Defense attorneys argued that their client was framed by flawed police work and circumstantial assumptions. They suggested Maya may have voluntarily disappeared, potentially fleeing an overwhelmed life as a mother of three while struggling with postpartum depression—a claim her relatives fiercely disputed throughout the proceedings.
The defense attempted to introduce theories about other potential suspects, including individuals who may have targeted Maya for unknown reasons, but prosecutors successfully countered these arguments by demonstrating Millete's exclusive opportunity and motive.
Millete was convicted of first-degree murder. The prosecution announced they would seek a sentence enhancement for killing the victim in the presence of a minor child—alleging one or more of Maya's children witnessed their mother's death.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Millete was convicted of first-degree murder Friday following a two-month trial in San Diego County Superior Court
- Maya Millete has never been found; her body remains missing more than five years after her disappearance
- Prosecutors relied heavily on digital forensic evidence, including allegedly incriminating internet searches conducted by the defendant
- The defense claimed police focused too narrowly on Millete and ignored other potential suspects or scenarios
- Sentencing is scheduled for later this summer, with prosecutors expected to seek a lengthy prison term
What's Next
Millete is scheduled to appear for sentencing in August. Prosecutors have indicated they will push for the maximum penalty allowed under California law for first-degree murder, potentially resulting in a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department, which has led the investigation from its onset, stated that search efforts for Maya Millete's remains will continue despite the conviction. Investigators have conducted multiple searches over the past five years but have not yet located any physical evidence confirming her fate or location of burial.
Maya Millete's family has expressed hope that the conviction might provide additional leads about where their loved one was laid to rest, allowing them the chance to properly grieve and bury their daughter, sister, and mother.