Larry Millete Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Maya Millete Case

On July 9, 2026, a Chula Vista jury found Larry Millete guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, May “Maya” Millete. The verdict came after a seven-week trial that heard testimony from more than 60 witnesses, and the jury deliberated for less than a day before reaching its decision.

Maya Millete was last seen in January 2021. Her body has never been found. Prosecutors alleged that Larry Millete killed her by poisoning her with hemlock on the same day she called a divorce law firm to schedule an appointment. They argued that he then disposed of her body.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution built its case primarily on circumstantial evidence about the couple's troubled marriage and Larry's behavior around the time of Maya's disappearance. For more than five years, the story had been told primarily by Maya's family and prosecutors. But during defense closing arguments, Larry's side was presented publicly for the first time, with an attorney recounting his version of the events leading up to that day.

The jury had the option to convict on lesser charges, including second-degree murder or manslaughter. Instead, they returned a first-degree murder conviction. Larry Millete, 44, was charged with murdering his wife of 20 years.

The case had gripped the Chula Vista community and Maya's family, who had waited more than five years for answers. The conviction brings a measure of closure, though many questions remain—chief among them the location of Maya's remains. The absence of a body made the prosecution's task more difficult, but the jury found the circumstantial evidence sufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The trial concluded after seven weeks of testimony in San Diego Superior Court. The judge handling the case will schedule sentencing at a later date. Larry Millete faces 25 years to life in prison.