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.
