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Larry Millete Convicted of Murdering Wife May Millete Five Years After She Went Missing

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that after one day of deliberation, a South Bay jury found Larry Millete, 44, guilty of first-degree murder of his wife, May “Maya” Millete, who disappeared from the family’s Chula Vista home on January 7, 2021.

The jury returned its verdict following a seven-week trial during which prosecutors presented extensive circumstantial evidence demonstrating that Larry Millete murdered his wife after she decided to end their marriage. The evidence showed a pattern of escalating control, obsession and planning that culminated in May’s disappearance. Veteran prosecutor, Christy Bowles, argued that although May’s remains have never been recovered, the evidence proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she was killed by her husband.

“Finally, justice has been served for Maya and for everyone who has carried the weight of her absence for more than five years,” DA Stephan said. “Our hearts are with Maya’s family, friends and especially her three children, who have endured an unimaginable loss. Justice delayed can never erase years of grief, but today’s verdict affirms that no victim is forgotten and no family is abandoned in our pursuit of the truth. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Deputy DA Christy Bowles, her team, and to the jurors, who devoted weeks of their lives to carefully considering the evidence in this difficult and emotional case. Their commitment to the facts and to the rule of law reflects the very best of our justice system.”

May Millete, referred to by many as “Maya,” was reported missing on January 9, 2021, after family members became concerned when they were unable to contact her. A civilian employee with the Department of Defense and the mother of three children, the evidence showed that May intended to leave her marriage shortly before she disappeared. Investigators from the Chula Vista Police Department launched an exhaustive investigation that spanned years and included assistance of NCIS and the FBI, in addition to numerous other law enforcement partners. Larry Millete was arrested and charged with her murder in October 2021.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christy Bowles and her team, including paralegal Angela Fagundes-Williams, DA Investigators James Rhoades and Mathew Grindley, and Senior Analyst Peter Villaver. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes the extraordinary dedication of the Chula Vista Police Department investigators and the many law enforcement professionals whose perseverance never wavered throughout the lengthy investigation.

Although today’s verdict marks an important milestone, the search for May continues.

“We will never stop hoping that Maya can be brought home so her loved ones can finally lay her to rest with the dignity she deserves,” DA Stephan said.

Two women in business attire smile while posing together in front of a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) event backdrop that reads, "Impaired Driving Ends Here." The woman on the right holds a glass award, recognizing her achievement, as they stand side by side at the awards event.

DA Prosecutor Recognized with MADD “Prosecutor of the Year” Award

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon was recognized as Prosecutor of the Year by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for her outstanding work prosecuting a repeat DUI offender whose actions resulted in the death of one person and serious injuries to another. The award was presented at the annual MADD San Diego Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards held July 9 at the Double Tree Hotel in Mission Valley.

“This recognition by MADD reflects to Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon’s commitment to seeking justice for victims and holding repeat impaired drivers accountable exemplifies the highest standards of public service,” DA Stephan said. “We are incredibly proud of Min and grateful for her dedication to protecting our community through her exceptional work prosecuting a tragic case involving a defendant who had every warning about the deadly consequences of drinking and driving but chose to ignore them.”

In 2025, 31 people were killed in 29 DUI-related crashes in San Diego County. So far in 2026, there have been 9 people killed. In 2025, the DA’s Office filed 5,679 DUI cases, including 461 DUI drug cases and/or combined alcohol and drug impairment cases. Between January and June 2026, the DA’s Office filed 3,213 new DUI cases, including 252 DUI drug cases and/or combined alcohol and drug impairment cases.

Deputy DA Min Yoon was recognized for her work as the interim director of the DUI Homicide Unit and for her prosecution of DUI homicide cases, including her successful murder conviction in People v. Shaw. On October 22, 2023, Andrew Shaw was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into Aurora Rodriguez’s Nissan Altima at a high rate of speed as she merged left for a construction lane closure. Ms. Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at the hospital, and her front passenger was hospitalized with great bodily injury. Evidence showed that Shaw had been drinking throughout the day at multiple establishments. His blood alcohol content level almost three hours after the crash was 0.139, which was calculated to have been between 0.16 and 0.22 at the time of the crash.

The defendant had multiple DUI-related convictions, with the most recent from 2021. As a result, he had been given the Watson advisal several times and had even attended multiple MADD victim impact panels, which taught him about the dangers of drinking and driving. Shaw was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 21 years to life in prison.

Recipients of MADD’s awards are chosen through a call for nominations process. The organization reaches out to community partners, law enforcement agencies, local officials and their internal victim advocates asking them to nominate individuals who stand out in the community with regards to DUI-related work. Every year, MADD honors law enforcement officials for their continuous efforts in driving under the influence enforcement.

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Pedophile Sentenced to Prison for Repeatedly Sexually Abusing Two Young Girls

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Christopher T. Gardner, 33, has been sentenced to 325 years-to-life in prison for his serial sexual abuse of two young girls who were only 6-years-old when the abuse began.

Gardner molested the girls, who were relatives, over a 5-year period.

“Predators who rob children of their innocence and inflict lifelong trauma do not belong in our communities,” DA Stephan said. “This sentence sends an unmistakable message to abusers: you will be held accountable. I am deeply grateful to our specialized sexual abuse prosecution team for their dedication in bringing a measure of justice to the survivors.”

The abuse came to light when one of the girls was at a sleepover with her friend. In confidence, the victim confided that she had been touched inappropriately. The best friend felt this was too serious to keep secret and told her mom. Law Enforcement was contacted and investigated the case, ultimately arresting Gardner for sexual abuse. After his arrest, a third victim – another relative – also came forward. Now a young adult, the third victim disclosed that when she was about 7 or 8, the defendant had her orally copulate him.

During the trial, the first two victims testified to multiple acts of abuse including oral copulation, sexual penetration and sodomy. The third victim testified to the oral copulation incident that occurred many years prior. After a nine-day trial, Gardner was convicted of all 15 felony sex abuse charges on May 22.

Deputy District Attorney Miriam Shoval prosecuted this case.

Logo for the National Association of Counties (NACo) with the colors of the US flag.

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Receives Two National Achievement Awards for Innovative Programs

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that her office has received two prestigious National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards recognizing innovative programs that improve public safety, deliver justice and enhance the quality of life for San Diego County residents. The awards recognize the District Attorney’s Same Day Solutions Fair, organized by the DA’s Community Action Resource Engagement Center (CARE) Center team, and the Cold Homicide and Research Genealogy Effort (CHARGE), which uses advanced forensic genetic genealogy to solve decades-old homicide cases and bring long-overdue justice to victims and their families.

“These awards reflect our commitment to innovation in public service and our mission to pursue justice in ways that strengthen communities and improve lives,” DA Stephan said. “Whether helping individuals experiencing homelessness resolve legal barriers and access critical resources or using cutting-edge forensic science to solve cold case murders, these programs demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can produce meaningful results for the people we serve.”

 

Same Day Solutions Fair

The Same Day Solutions Fair was recognized for its collaborative approach to helping individuals experiencing homelessness resolve minor legal matters while connecting them with essential support services. Organized by the DA’s CARE Center team, the resource fair brings together prosecutors, public defenders, judges, law enforcement agencies, county departments, nonprofit organizations and service providers in a one-stop setting. Participants can resolve eligible misdemeanor offenses and outstanding warrants while gaining immediate access to housing assistance, behavioral health treatment, substance use services, identification documents such as birth certificates, employment resources, veteran services and other support programs like WIC, Medi-Cal and Cal fresh carts produced on site and hot meals. The event often provides dental services, mobile showers and haircuts.

Since the program’s launch in 2021, the resource fairs have served 6,530 individuals across San Diego County. With more than 20 agencies typically participating in each monthly event, community members can connect with multiple services during a single visit. This coordinated approach reduces duplication of effort among providers while providing a clearer picture of the program’s collective impact.

One of the most immediate and measurable outcomes is the resolution of legal barriers. Through on-site Homeless Court services, individuals can address eligible warrants, resolve fines and review driver’s license holds in real time. Since the program began, justice partners have handled 1,944 cases through this process. Removing obstacles often represents a critical first step toward stability. Participants frequently report that clearing a warrant enables them to pursue employment opportunities, reinstate a driver’s license or move forward with housing applications.

 

CHARGE Program

The District Attorney’s Office also received a NACo Achievement Award for its Cold Homicide and Research Genealogy Effort (CHARGE), an innovative initiative that solves and prosecutes unsolved homicides through the use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG).

CHARGE brings together the expertise of the DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, a forensic genealogist and an experienced homicide investigator to identify unknown homicide suspects using DNA evidence recovered from crime scenes or victims. The groundbreaking technique allows investigators to develop leads in cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

The CHARGE project has delivered significant results since it began in 2020, helping solve 10 cases, including the identification of the killer of 22-year-old 7-Eleven clerk Christy Bryant, who was murdered in 1974, and the killer of 32-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman Larry Joe Breen, who was murdered in 1990. Following those identifications, the District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted and convicted the offenders, bringing long-awaited answers to victims’ loved ones, justice for the community and accountability for those responsible.

“Every victim deserves justice, no matter how much time has passed,” DA Stephan said. “The CHARGE program harnesses advances in forensic science to solve cases that once seemed unsolvable. It provides answers to families who have waited decades for justice and ensures offenders are held accountable for their crimes.”

Beyond solving individual cases, CHARGE has established specialized forensic genetic genealogy capabilities within the District Attorney’s Office that benefit law enforcement partners throughout San Diego County and serve as a model for agencies nationwide.

The NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative county government programs that enhance services for residents, improve government effectiveness and strengthen communities. This year’s honors highlight the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office’s continued commitment to forward-thinking solutions that promote public safety, support vulnerable populations and deliver justice for victims.

Photo of woman who was victim of cold case homicide, with her name written in white text below the photo: Margaret Orozco Jackson, 47.

Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for 1990 Cold Case Murder Solved Through DNA Evidence

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 65-year-old Randall Oyler has been sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for the 1990 murder of Margaret Orozco Jackson, 47, whose body was discovered on a hillside in Scripps Ranch more than three decades ago.

[WATCH: Emotional victim impact statement by the victim’s niece at the sentencing hearing, here.]

On May 19, 2026, a downtown San Diego jury convicted Oyler of first-degree murder following a trial that highlighted the critical role of DNA technology and the perseverance of law enforcement investigators who never stopped pursuing justice for the victim.

“This case is a powerful reminder that justice has no expiration date,” DA Stephan said. “For 35 years, Margaret Jackson’s family waited for answers. Thanks to DNA evidence and the unwavering commitment of investigators and prosecutors, the person responsible for this brutal murder has finally been held accountable. Cold case victims matter, and our office will continue to pursue justice no matter how much time has passed.”

On July 11, 1990, a woman walking to work discovered a length of rope on a sidewalk near Scripps Ranch Boulevard. The rope led down a hillside to the body of Margaret Orozco Jackson. Investigators determined Jackson had been beaten and strangled, with the rope wrapped around her neck.

Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case remained unsolved for decades.

The breakthrough came when the defendant’s DNA was entered into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) when he was convicted of drug trafficking in 2018. The DNA from the victim was tested and uploaded following further work by SDPD cold case homicide investigators. DNA recovered from beneath Jackson’s fingernails and from other areas of her body was matched to Oyler, identifying him as the suspect more than 30 years after the crime occurred.

Oyler was arrested in 2023 while already in custody on a probation violation. During the investigation, prosecutors obtained incriminating statements Oyler made while speaking with an undercover jail operative posing as an inmate. Jurors heard recordings in which Oyler discussed the circumstances of the killing. In one conversation, he acknowledged that the victim had scratched him. In another, he stated that he had “thrown her down a hill.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chris Lindberg, who leads the DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit.

“The successful resolution of this case demonstrates the importance of preserving evidence and continuing to review unsolved homicides,” DA Stephan said. “We are grateful to the investigators, forensic scientists, and prosecutors whose dedication made this conviction possible. I want to especially thank our DA’s office lead cold case prosecutor Chris Lindberg for his outstanding work on this case.”

If you have information about a cold case homicide, contact the San Diego County District Attorney Cold Case Connection at (619) 515-TIPS (8477).

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Parents Convicted of Starving 3-Month-Old Baby to Death Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that the parents who starved to death their 3-month-old daughter and who were convicted of second-degree murder by separate juries at a trial in February, have been sentenced to prison.

Brandon Copeland and Elizabeth Ucman each were sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

“Baby Delilah entered this world healthy and full of promise and within three months she died of starvation at the hands of her parents,” DA Stephan said. “Cases that involve parents who harm their babies are haunting and our specialized child abuse prosecutor Franciesca Balerio fought to be the voice for this defenseless baby and to bring a measure of justice and dignity where none existed in her short life. Her parents chose to withhold the care every infant deserves, and because of that, baby Delilah never had the chance to grow or thrive. It’s time the defendants have the time to fully reckon with the consequences of their actions.”

Copeland, 25, and Ucman, 26, were arrested in November 2021 after police responded to their City Heights apartment following a report that their infant was unresponsive and in need of medical attention. Baby Delilah was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, and her parents were taken into custody shortly afterward.

The parents, who were 21 and 22 at the time of Delilah’s death, were tried in February in a single proceeding before two separate juries, with each panel responsible for determining the guilt of one defendant.

During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Franciesca Balerio told jurors that Delilah weighed only 3.64 pounds at the time of her death, less than half her healthy birth weight. With no underlying medical conditions, the evidence showed her death resulted solely from prolonged starvation and neglect. Starvation is slow, visible, and impossible to overlook. Delilah’s decline unfolded in plain sight, yet the defendants sought no help, provided inadequate nutrition, and failed to obtain medical care.

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Deputy District Attorney Michael McCann Named 2025 Wildlife Prosecutor of The Year

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Deputy District Attorney Michael McCann has been named the 2025 Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year by the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division. The prestigious annual award recognizes a courtroom champion who demonstrates exceptional dedication to protecting California’s fish, wildlife, natural resources and environment through outstanding prosecution of wildlife-related crimes. McCann was selected unanimously by the President of the California Fish and Game Commission and the Chief of Law Enforcement for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from a field of nominees from across the state.

McCann serves in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Environmental Protection Unit which is part of the Economic Crimes Division, and he has worked closely with wildlife officers and investigators to prosecute crimes that threaten California’s wildlife, habitat and natural resources. His work has helped ensure accountability for those who violate laws designed to protect the state’s unique environmental treasures for future generations.

“Deputy District Attorney Michael McCann’s commitment to environmental protection is exemplary,” DA Stephan said. “His work to hold violators accountable, protect California’s natural resources, and collaborate closely with our law enforcement partners has made a lasting impact. We are extremely proud of him and grateful to the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for this well‑deserved recognition.”

The Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year Award honors prosecutors who demonstrate:

  • Exceptional skill and an outstanding commitment to protecting California’s fish, wildlife and natural resources
  • Superior performance in prosecuting wildlife, natural resource and environmental crimes
  • A relentless pursuit of justice against the most egregious violators and an ability to successfully prosecute complex, controversial or landmark cases
  • Exemplary collaboration with wildlife officers in conserving California’s natural resources

The award was presented during the California Fish and Game Commission meeting held today at the California Natural Resources Headquarters Building in Sacramento.

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting public safety, consumer rights and the natural resources that contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by all Californians.

Photo of a court gavel over a law book on a desk with the scales of justice and more books in the background.

Ex-Convict Who Viciously Stabbed MTS Bus Driver Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a man who stabbed an MTS bus driver in August 2024 nearly a dozen times as passengers looked on, has been sentenced to prison.

Mario Felix, 51, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder in March, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.

“No one should fear for their life as they are performing their job, especially while they are in service to others as the victim was in this case by providing transportation to commuters,” DA Stephan said. “Unfortunately, attacks on bus drivers and other transportation workers have increased. As District Attorney, I want these valuable workers to know that they deserve safety and dignity and attacks against them will be taken very seriously. I want to commend the victim for his courage in persisting in the pursuit of justice alongside our team despite all of the severe injuries from this vicious attack and the emotional trauma that this caused.”

In August 2024, the MTS bus driver was making a stop at the Escondido Sprinter Station when Felix boarded the bus and asked for a free ride. When the driver told Felix that he must pay, he became enraged and demanded the driver’s wallet and threatened to kill him before unleashing a series of ferocious stabs, severely injuring the victim.

Witnesses followed Felix and he was later arrested by police hiding behind a dumpster and the bloody knife was found nearby.

Deputy DA Keith Watanabe and Deputy DA Miranda Tomaneng prosecuted this case with care and dedication. The DA victims services team provided support to the victim all along the way.

 

Photo of gavel and scales of justice.

Three Additional Murder Charges Filed Against Man Linked to Southcrest Human Remains Investigation

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Dwight Rhone, 74, who is currently charged with one count of murder in connection with the 2023 killing of Bernardo Moreno, now faces three additional murder charges, as well as a special circumstance for committing multiple murders. The new charges are tied to two cold cases involving bodies discovered in 1993 and 2002, as well as human remains found at a Southcrest home in December of 2025.

“These additional murder charges reflect years of dedicated work by Deputy District Attorney Jalyn McNee and our law enforcement partners, whose persistence and attention to detail helped uncover critical connections between this defendant and multiple victims, including victims whose cases had gone cold,” DA Stephan said. “This outstanding work and remarkable development were also made possible through the invaluable partnership and expertise of SDPD, FBI, NCIS and CHP. Together, we were able to crack these cases, uncover critical evidence, and advance our pursuit of justice for multiple victims and their families.”

Murders tied to the defendant now include the following:

Michael Brown (remains found December 2025): Brown’s remains were discovered beneath a former residence of the defendant on Newton Avenue after investigators executed a search warrant at the property.

Bernardo Moreno (October 2023): Moreno was found dead in burned debris near the Interstate 5 and State Route 905 interchange. He died from a gunshot wound to the base of the skull. Rhone is currently being prosecuted on this case.

Ronald Johnken (September 2002): Johnken’s body was discovered in Chollas Creek near 3300 National Avenue. The Medical Examiner determined he died from blunt-force trauma to the head.

Heriberto Ruiz (December 1993): Ruiz was found dead in an alley near the 3500 block of Acacia Street. The Medical Examiner determined he died by strangulation.

Rhone was arraigned on the three additional murder charges today and pleaded not guilty. He will be in court again on March 24, 2027.

“Our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable remains as strong today as it was on the day these crimes were committed,” DA Stephan said. “The District Attorney’s Office will never stop seeking the truth no matter how many years have passed. Victims deserve justice and their families deserve answers.”

The investigation remains ongoing and investigators continue to examine additional missing-person cases and unidentified or deceased persons potentially associated with the defendant. Anyone with information regarding Danice Galloway (DOB 12/15/1955), whose body was discovered on May1, 1989 in the north alley located at 3700 Main Street in San Diego, or Antenogenes Gomez Velasquez (DOB 7/16/1981), who was last seen in 2021 and was last known to reside at 3456 Newton Ave in San Diego, is encouraged to contact the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Deputy DA Jalyn McNee and Deputy DA Annie Sanchez are prosecuting this case.

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Escondido Man Charged with Murder after Victim Dies from Severe Beating

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Thomas C. Butler has been charged with murder following the death of Escondido resident Kerry Sheron. Butler was previously charged and arraigned on May 22 for attempted murder in connection with the brutal May 20 assault. Mr. Sheron later died from the injuries inflicted during the attack, leading to the murder charge.

“The violent assault and murder of Kerry Sheron outside his own home has left his family and community shaken and grieving for the veteran’s senseless loss of life,” DA Stephan said. “My office has filed a murder charge along with related charges against the perpetrator and will seek justice and accountability under the law while providing support for the victim’s family. The investigation will continue to seek answers to the relevant aspects of this case.”

Butler did not appear in court today as scheduled and was not arraigned on the murder charge. A new court hearing has been set for June 5 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 6 of the Vista Superior Court. If convicted, he faces 28 years-to-life in prison.

Deputy DA Ross Garcia and Keith Watanabe are prosecuting this case.