Larry Millete Sentenced for Murdering Wife, May “Maya” Millete
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Larry Millete, 44, who was convicted in July of murdering his wife May Millete, known as Maya, has been sentenced to 25 years-to life-in prison for murder plus two years for possession of an illegal assault weapon.
[WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE AFTER THE SENTENCING HEARING, HERE]
Maya Millete was reported missing on January 9, 2021, by her sister, after family members became concerned that they were unable to contact her. Evidence showed that Maya, a civilian employee with the Department of Defense and the mother of three children, intended to leave her marriage shortly before she disappeared. Investigators from the Chula Vista Police Department launched an exhaustive investigation and included assistance of NCIS, FBI, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Larry Millete was arrested and charged with murder on October 19, 2021.
“This murder conviction and sentence finally holds Larry Millete accountable for the cruel murder he committed five years ago by taking the life of his wife and mother of three young children,” DA Stephan said. “While this brings a measure of justice to Maya, her children and family who have carried the weight of her absence for more than five years, they are still fervently waiting to bring her remains home to bury her with dignity. This defendant robbed Maya of her precious life and continues to try to rob her family of the solace of a proper burial. Our hearts remain with Maya’s family who have endured an unimaginable loss. This conviction will not erase their grief, but it sends a clear message that those who commit these crimes will be held accountable and mercilessly hiding the victim’s body will not help you escape justice. I am deeply grateful to Deputy DA Christy Bowles and her team for their exceptional dedication and perseverance throughout this difficult case.”
[WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE AFTER THE SENTENCING HEARING, HERE]
On July 9, 2026, a South Bay jury returned its verdict following a seven-week trial during which the prosecution presented extensive evidence demonstrating that Larry Millete murdered his wife. The evidence showed a pattern of escalating control, obsession and planning. Veteran prosecutor Christy Bowles argued that although Maya’s remains have never been recovered, the evidence proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she was killed by her husband. The jury found Larry Millete guilty of first-degree murder with San Diego Superior Court Judge Enrique E. Camarena, Jr. presiding.
Other members of the prosecution in addition to Bowles include paralegal Angela Fagundes-Williams, DA Investigators James Rhoades and Mathew Grindley, Senior Analyst Peter Villaver, and Victim Advocate Rachel Castillo. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes the extraordinary dedication of the Chula Vista Police Department investigators and the many law enforcement professionals including the FBI and NCIS whose perseverance never wavered throughout the lengthy investigation.
Although today’s sentencing marks the conclusion of this case, the search for Maya continues.
“We will never give up on finding Maya’s remains and bringing them home,” DA Stephan said. “If anyone has any information that can lead to the recovery of her remains, we urge you to come forward.”
[WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE AFTER THE SENTENCING HEARING, HERE]
