For more than five years, the disappearance of Chula Vista mother Maya “May” Millete has lingered over San Diego County like an open wound. There has been no body, no confession, no murder weapon publicly identified, and no definitive forensic evidence placing Maya’s death at a specific time or location. Yet prosecutors insist the circumstantial evidence tells a devastatingly clear story: a woman preparing to leave her marriage vanished forever, and her husband killed her rather than let her go.
Now, after years of delays, continuances, competency proceedings, custody disputes, public speculation, national media attention, and emotional courtroom battles, the murder trial of Larry Millete is finally underway in San Diego Superior Court.
Here is everything to know about the case that has consumed Chula Vista since January 2021.
Who Are Larry and Maya Millete?
Larry and Maya Millete met as teenagers in Hawaii and married young, eventually building a life together and raising three children. Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and served from 2000 through 2005, later working as an optician at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Maya worked as a civilian contract specialist for the Navy.
Maya was described by family and friends as outgoing, fiercely loyal, energetic, and deeply devoted to her children. Relatives often described her as “small but fierce,” someone with a bold personality who loved dancing, traveling, and documenting family life through photos and social media.
By 2021, the family lived in a suburban Chula Vista home on Paseo Los Gatos. To neighbors, they often appeared like a typical military-connected Southern California family. Behind closed doors, prosecutors now allege, the marriage had become deeply fractured and emotionally volatile.
As a teenager, Larry moved with his family from San Diego to Hawaii, allegedly following legal trouble. Sources claim Larry was involved in a gang-related stabbing incident on April 30, 1997. Larry, then believed to be around 15 years old, was reportedly taken into juvenile custody and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Official juvenile records remain sealed.
By late 2020, prosecutors say Maya was quietly preparing to leave the marriage permanently.
Larry and Maya Millete met as teenagers in Hawaii and married young, eventually building a life together and raising three children. Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and served from 2000 through 2005, later working as an optician at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Maya worked as a civilian contract specialist for the Navy.
Maya was described by family and friends as outgoing, fiercely loyal, energetic, and deeply devoted to her children. Relatives often described her as “small but fierce,” someone with a bold personality who loved dancing, traveling, and documenting family life through photos and social media.
By 2021, the family lived in a suburban Chula Vista home on Paseo Los Gatos. To neighbors, they often appeared like a typical military-connected Southern California family. Behind closed doors, prosecutors now allege, the marriage had become deeply fractured and emotionally volatile.
As a teenager, Larry moved with his family from San Diego to Hawaii, allegedly following legal trouble. Sources claim Larry was involved in a gang-related stabbing incident on April 30, 1997. Larry, then believed to be around 15 years old, was reportedly taken into juvenile custody and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Official juvenile records remain sealed.
By late 2020, prosecutors say Maya was quietly preparing to leave the marriage permanently.
The Day Maya Vanished
On January 7, 2021, Maya Millete contacted a divorce attorney. According to testimony and investigative records, she scheduled a consultation for January 12, intending to wait until after her daughter’s birthday celebration before formally proceeding.
Her sister, Maricris Drouaillet, later testified Maya had asked for approximately $10,000 to help begin separating from Larry.
At 4:42 p.m. on January 7, surveillance footage captured Maya pulling into the driveway of the family’s Chula Vista home. Another camera showed her walking toward the house carrying bags.
No camera ever captured her leaving. Maya was never seen or heard from again. Prosecutors allege Maya was killed inside the home sometime that night.
Security footage from a nearby residence reportedly captured several loud bangs around 10 pm on January 7. The FBI later examined the recording but initially stated the poor audio quality prevented investigators from definitively determining whether the sounds were gunshots.
Additional surveillance and cellphone evidence introduced by prosecutors showed Maya’s cellphone activity abruptly stopped at approximately 1:25 am inside the home. Shortly afterward, surveillance video showed Larry backing his Lexus GX460 SUV into the driveway before leaving the home roughly 40 minutes later.
Prosecutors allege Larry drove between 400 and 600 miles the following day while his cellphone remained powered off for nearly 12 hours. Investigators believe this trip may have been used to dispose of Maya’s body somewhere in rural San Diego County or neighboring desert regions.
Larry later claimed he had gone to the beach with his son.
Maya’s body has never been found.
On January 7, 2021, Maya Millete contacted a divorce attorney. According to testimony and investigative records, she scheduled a consultation for January 12, intending to wait until after her daughter’s birthday celebration before formally proceeding.
Her sister, Maricris Drouaillet, later testified Maya had asked for approximately $10,000 to help begin separating from Larry.
At 4:42 p.m. on January 7, surveillance footage captured Maya pulling into the driveway of the family’s Chula Vista home. Another camera showed her walking toward the house carrying bags.
No camera ever captured her leaving. Maya was never seen or heard from again. Prosecutors allege Maya was killed inside the home sometime that night.
Security footage from a nearby residence reportedly captured several loud bangs around 10 pm on January 7. The FBI later examined the recording but initially stated the poor audio quality prevented investigators from definitively determining whether the sounds were gunshots.
Additional surveillance and cellphone evidence introduced by prosecutors showed Maya’s cellphone activity abruptly stopped at approximately 1:25 am inside the home. Shortly afterward, surveillance video showed Larry backing his Lexus GX460 SUV into the driveway before leaving the home roughly 40 minutes later.
Prosecutors allege Larry drove between 400 and 600 miles the following day while his cellphone remained powered off for nearly 12 hours. Investigators believe this trip may have been used to dispose of Maya’s body somewhere in rural San Diego County or neighboring desert regions.
Larry later claimed he had gone to the beach with his son.
Maya’s body has never been found.
The Spell Casters: The Most Disturbing Chapter
Perhaps the most bizarre and unsettling aspect of the prosecution’s case involves Larry Millete’s extensive communications with online spell casters, psychics, and occult practitioners.
Investigators recovered more than 1,700 pages of messages between Larry and multiple online spell casters between September 2020 and January 2021. According to prosecutors, the communications reveal an escalating obsession with controlling Maya as their marriage deteriorated.
Initially, Larry allegedly sought “love spells” intended to make Maya stay with him and remain emotionally attached. But prosecutors say the requests soon became darker and more aggressive.
In one exchange, Larry allegedly asked a spell caster to make Maya suffer nightmares because “she needs to be punished.” In another, prosecutors say he requested spells to make Maya physically ill and emotionally dependent on him.
On December 31, 2020, Larry allegedly wrote to one spell caster: “Can you hex to have her hurt enough that she will have to depend on me or need my help?”
According to prosecutors, the messages became increasingly desperate as Maya pulled further away from the marriage.
Then, according to prosecutors, everything changed after January 7. The messages abruptly stopped focusing on Maya altogether.
Instead, prosecutors allege Larry became fixated on Maya’s suspected lover, allegedly asking about “death spells” and curses targeting the man and even the man’s unborn child.
Prosecutors argue the sudden shift is deeply significant. A man allegedly obsessed for months with keeping his wife from leaving suddenly no longer needed spells directed at her after she vanished forever.
The prosecution has framed the messages as evidence of obsession, coercive control, emotional deterioration, and ultimately premeditation.
Perhaps the most bizarre and unsettling aspect of the prosecution’s case involves Larry Millete’s extensive communications with online spell casters, psychics, and occult practitioners.
Investigators recovered more than 1,700 pages of messages between Larry and multiple online spell casters between September 2020 and January 2021. According to prosecutors, the communications reveal an escalating obsession with controlling Maya as their marriage deteriorated.
Initially, Larry allegedly sought “love spells” intended to make Maya stay with him and remain emotionally attached. But prosecutors say the requests soon became darker and more aggressive.
In one exchange, Larry allegedly asked a spell caster to make Maya suffer nightmares because “she needs to be punished.” In another, prosecutors say he requested spells to make Maya physically ill and emotionally dependent on him.
On December 31, 2020, Larry allegedly wrote to one spell caster: “Can you hex to have her hurt enough that she will have to depend on me or need my help?”
According to prosecutors, the messages became increasingly desperate as Maya pulled further away from the marriage.
Then, according to prosecutors, everything changed after January 7. The messages abruptly stopped focusing on Maya altogether.
Instead, prosecutors allege Larry became fixated on Maya’s suspected lover, allegedly asking about “death spells” and curses targeting the man and even the man’s unborn child.
Prosecutors argue the sudden shift is deeply significant. A man allegedly obsessed for months with keeping his wife from leaving suddenly no longer needed spells directed at her after she vanished forever.
The prosecution has framed the messages as evidence of obsession, coercive control, emotional deterioration, and ultimately premeditation.
The Surveillance, the Guns, and the Backyard Fire
Because Maya’s body has never been recovered, prosecutors are relying heavily on circumstantial evidence. Several elements of that evidence have become central to the state’s narrative.
Four months after Maya disappeared, surveillance footage captured a fire burning in the family’s backyard. Investigators later discovered Maya’s burned credit card among the ashes.
Search warrants executed at the Millete home uncovered numerous firearms, including several prosecutors described as illegal assault weapons.
Photographs recovered from Larry’s phone allegedly showed a kitchen table covered with firearms, passports, ammunition, tactical gear, and high-capacity magazines. Authorities also found photographs depicting the couple’s young son standing among the weapons cache.
Court filings reveal investigators became concerned Larry might flee with the children after Maya’s disappearance, prompting a gun violence restraining order.
Authorities additionally stated Larry continued purchasing firearms even after police searches intensified in early 2021.
During opening statements this week, prosecutors revealed investigators also recovered poison hemlock during the investigation, though the defense disputes the significance of that evidence and whether it has any direct connection to Maya’s disappearance. Prosecutors have also alleged Larry researched poisons and harmful substances during the period leading up to Maya’s disappearance.
Because Maya’s body has never been recovered, prosecutors are relying heavily on circumstantial evidence. Several elements of that evidence have become central to the state’s narrative.
Four months after Maya disappeared, surveillance footage captured a fire burning in the family’s backyard. Investigators later discovered Maya’s burned credit card among the ashes.
Search warrants executed at the Millete home uncovered numerous firearms, including several prosecutors described as illegal assault weapons.
Photographs recovered from Larry’s phone allegedly showed a kitchen table covered with firearms, passports, ammunition, tactical gear, and high-capacity magazines. Authorities also found photographs depicting the couple’s young son standing among the weapons cache.
Court filings reveal investigators became concerned Larry might flee with the children after Maya’s disappearance, prompting a gun violence restraining order.
Authorities additionally stated Larry continued purchasing firearms even after police searches intensified in early 2021.
During opening statements this week, prosecutors revealed investigators also recovered poison hemlock during the investigation, though the defense disputes the significance of that evidence and whether it has any direct connection to Maya’s disappearance. Prosecutors have also alleged Larry researched poisons and harmful substances during the period leading up to Maya’s disappearance.
.jpeg)
The Controlling Behavior and the Affair
The prosecution’s case relies heavily on portraying Larry Millete as controlling, possessive, emotionally unstable, and terrified of losing Maya. Witnesses testified Larry closely monitored Maya’s whereabouts and became increasingly paranoid about infidelity.
Maya’s sister-in-law, Genesis Nicolas-Tabalanza, testified Larry once placed a cellphone inside Maya’s vehicle to secretly track her movements. Maya reportedly discovered the phone and threatened to leave the marriage afterward.
Friends and coworkers have described incidents where Maya allegedly had to prove where she was by showing Larry her surroundings over FaceTime. One coworker testified Larry once appeared outside Maya’s office window, pressing his face against the glass while watching her inside, an incident the witness described as “creepy.”
Investigators also uncovered allegations of prior violence within the marriage. According to police reports referenced during proceedings, Larry allegedly once choked Maya until she lost consciousness. The defense disputes allegations that Larry had a history of violence.
The alleged affair between Maya and coworker Jamey Laird has become a major component of the defense strategy. Defense attorneys argue investigators focused too narrowly on Larry while failing to fully investigate Laird or alternative explanations for Maya’s disappearance. They claim Maya may have been living a “double life” and emphasize that no direct physical evidence proves a murder occurred.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, argue the affair provided motive. They contend Larry became increasingly desperate and unstable as Maya emotionally detached from the marriage and prepared to leave him permanently.
The prosecution’s case relies heavily on portraying Larry Millete as controlling, possessive, emotionally unstable, and terrified of losing Maya. Witnesses testified Larry closely monitored Maya’s whereabouts and became increasingly paranoid about infidelity.
Maya’s sister-in-law, Genesis Nicolas-Tabalanza, testified Larry once placed a cellphone inside Maya’s vehicle to secretly track her movements. Maya reportedly discovered the phone and threatened to leave the marriage afterward.
Friends and coworkers have described incidents where Maya allegedly had to prove where she was by showing Larry her surroundings over FaceTime. One coworker testified Larry once appeared outside Maya’s office window, pressing his face against the glass while watching her inside, an incident the witness described as “creepy.”
Investigators also uncovered allegations of prior violence within the marriage. According to police reports referenced during proceedings, Larry allegedly once choked Maya until she lost consciousness. The defense disputes allegations that Larry had a history of violence.
The alleged affair between Maya and coworker Jamey Laird has become a major component of the defense strategy. Defense attorneys argue investigators focused too narrowly on Larry while failing to fully investigate Laird or alternative explanations for Maya’s disappearance. They claim Maya may have been living a “double life” and emphasize that no direct physical evidence proves a murder occurred.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, argue the affair provided motive. They contend Larry became increasingly desperate and unstable as Maya emotionally detached from the marriage and prepared to leave him permanently.
The Investigation: Hundreds of Leads and a Missing Gun
The investigation into Maya’s disappearance rapidly became one of the largest and most publicized missing-person investigations in recent San Diego County history. Chula Vista police executed more than 67 search warrants, conducted at least 87 interviews, and followed more than 130 tips. Volunteer groups, community members, family members, hikers, and search teams spent months combing through remote terrain across San Diego County searching for Maya.
Authorities continue seeking information regarding a missing .40-caliber handgun owned by Larry Millete, as well as details about the movements of his Lexus GX460 on January 8, 2021. Investigators have long theorized Maya’s remains may have been disposed of in remote desert terrain or wilderness areas.
In October 2021, after nine months of investigation, Larry Millete was arrested and charged with murder and illegal possession of an assault weapon. He has pleaded not guilty and continues to maintain his innocence.
The investigation into Maya’s disappearance rapidly became one of the largest and most publicized missing-person investigations in recent San Diego County history. Chula Vista police executed more than 67 search warrants, conducted at least 87 interviews, and followed more than 130 tips. Volunteer groups, community members, family members, hikers, and search teams spent months combing through remote terrain across San Diego County searching for Maya.
Authorities continue seeking information regarding a missing .40-caliber handgun owned by Larry Millete, as well as details about the movements of his Lexus GX460 on January 8, 2021. Investigators have long theorized Maya’s remains may have been disposed of in remote desert terrain or wilderness areas.
In October 2021, after nine months of investigation, Larry Millete was arrested and charged with murder and illegal possession of an assault weapon. He has pleaded not guilty and continues to maintain his innocence.
The Years of Delays
What followed Larry’s arrest was an extraordinarily prolonged pretrial process marked by repeated delays, competency proceedings, legal disputes, and emotional frustration for Maya’s family. In 2022, Larry’s defense attorneys raised questions about his competency to stand trial. A judge later ruled him competent following psychiatric evaluations.
The trial date was repeatedly postponed from 2022 through 2026. Each delay devastated Maya’s relatives, who publicly pleaded for the case to finally move forward.
In January 2026, defense attorneys again requested additional delays citing family deaths and preparation needs. Despite emotional objections from Maya’s family, the court granted another continuance.
A final attempt by the defense to delay the trial further in April 2026 was denied by Judge Camarena, who also rejected allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.
What followed Larry’s arrest was an extraordinarily prolonged pretrial process marked by repeated delays, competency proceedings, legal disputes, and emotional frustration for Maya’s family. In 2022, Larry’s defense attorneys raised questions about his competency to stand trial. A judge later ruled him competent following psychiatric evaluations.
The trial date was repeatedly postponed from 2022 through 2026. Each delay devastated Maya’s relatives, who publicly pleaded for the case to finally move forward.
In January 2026, defense attorneys again requested additional delays citing family deaths and preparation needs. Despite emotional objections from Maya’s family, the court granted another continuance.
A final attempt by the defense to delay the trial further in April 2026 was denied by Judge Camarena, who also rejected allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.
.jpeg)
The Trial Begins - Finally
The murder trial officially began on May 18, 2026, more than five years after Maya disappeared. In opening statements, prosecutors told jurors the case centers on a husband unwilling to accept divorce.
“Rather than let her leave, he killed her,” prosecutors argued.
Defense attorneys countered that the case is built entirely on speculation, assumptions, and circumstantial evidence. They emphasized there is no body, no blood evidence, no murder scene, no eyewitnesses, and no direct forensic proof Maya was killed.
The defense has repeatedly suggested Maya may have voluntarily disappeared or that investigators failed to adequately pursue other suspects and theories. Judge Enrique Camarena nevertheless ruled there was sufficient circumstantial evidence for the case to proceed before a jury.
The trial is expected to last several months.
The murder trial officially began on May 18, 2026, more than five years after Maya disappeared. In opening statements, prosecutors told jurors the case centers on a husband unwilling to accept divorce.
“Rather than let her leave, he killed her,” prosecutors argued.
Defense attorneys countered that the case is built entirely on speculation, assumptions, and circumstantial evidence. They emphasized there is no body, no blood evidence, no murder scene, no eyewitnesses, and no direct forensic proof Maya was killed.
The defense has repeatedly suggested Maya may have voluntarily disappeared or that investigators failed to adequately pursue other suspects and theories. Judge Enrique Camarena nevertheless ruled there was sufficient circumstantial evidence for the case to proceed before a jury.
The trial is expected to last several months.
Day Two: A Family Breaks Down
One of the most emotional moments of the trial so far occurred during testimony from Maya’s father, Pablito Tabalanza.
While on the witness stand, Tabalanza broke down emotionally and screamed toward Larry Millete: “Why did you do this?” The defense immediately moved for a mistrial, arguing the emotional outburst unfairly prejudiced the jury. Judge Camarena denied the request.
Tabalanza also testified about a prior incident during which Larry allegedly referenced killing someone while carrying a firearm. Under cross-examination, however, he acknowledged he initially believed Larry was joking and never warned Maya.
Courtroom observers noted Larry reportedly remained expressionless throughout the testimony.
One of the most emotional moments of the trial so far occurred during testimony from Maya’s father, Pablito Tabalanza.
While on the witness stand, Tabalanza broke down emotionally and screamed toward Larry Millete: “Why did you do this?” The defense immediately moved for a mistrial, arguing the emotional outburst unfairly prejudiced the jury. Judge Camarena denied the request.
Tabalanza also testified about a prior incident during which Larry allegedly referenced killing someone while carrying a firearm. Under cross-examination, however, he acknowledged he initially believed Larry was joking and never warned Maya.
Courtroom observers noted Larry reportedly remained expressionless throughout the testimony.
The Prosecution vs. The Defense
Prosecutors argue:
- Maya contacted a divorce attorney the day she disappeared
- Loud bangs were captured on surveillance the night prosecutors believe she was killed
- Larry drove hundreds of miles the following morning with his phone powered off
- Spell caster communications demonstrate escalating obsession and violent intent
- Maya’s burned credit card was recovered from a backyard fire
- Poison hemlock and poison-related searches were uncovered during the investigation
- Larry stopped searching for Maya and stopped communicating about spells immediately after she vanished
- Maya documented fears about the marriage and her desire to divorce
The defense argues:
- No body has ever been found
- No blood or signs of violence were discovered inside the home
- No direct evidence proves a murder occurred
- Maya had an affair and may have been living a “double life”
- Investigators focused too narrowly on Larry while overlooking alternative explanations
- Circumstantial evidence alone does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
The Children and the Family
The case has devastated two extended families and forever altered the lives of Maya and Larry’s three children. Following Larry’s arrest, the children were initially placed with Larry’s parents. After years of legal disputes, custody was ultimately awarded in 2024 to Maya’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet.
Throughout the past five years, Maya’s family has organized prayer hikes, vigils, fundraising efforts, search campaigns, and public awareness events to keep attention on the case.
Relatives have repeatedly stated they believe Maya would never voluntarily abandon her children.
The case has devastated two extended families and forever altered the lives of Maya and Larry’s three children. Following Larry’s arrest, the children were initially placed with Larry’s parents. After years of legal disputes, custody was ultimately awarded in 2024 to Maya’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet.
Throughout the past five years, Maya’s family has organized prayer hikes, vigils, fundraising efforts, search campaigns, and public awareness events to keep attention on the case.
Relatives have repeatedly stated they believe Maya would never voluntarily abandon her children.
What Happens Next
The trial is expected to continue through much of the summer of 2026. If convicted of first-degree murder, Larry Millete faces 25 years to life in prison.
No cameras or recording devices are permitted inside the courtroom. Judge Camarena barred them to protect jury integrity and minimize outside influence in one of San Diego County’s most heavily followed criminal trials in years.
More than five years after Maya Millete walked into her home and vanished forever, a jury is finally being asked to answer the question that has haunted San Diego since January 2021:
What happened to Maya Millete?
The trial is expected to continue through much of the summer of 2026. If convicted of first-degree murder, Larry Millete faces 25 years to life in prison.
No cameras or recording devices are permitted inside the courtroom. Judge Camarena barred them to protect jury integrity and minimize outside influence in one of San Diego County’s most heavily followed criminal trials in years.
More than five years after Maya Millete walked into her home and vanished forever, a jury is finally being asked to answer the question that has haunted San Diego since January 2021:
What happened to Maya Millete?
Originally published on May 21, 2026.
