Man Convicted of Murdering Missing Wife Despite Lack of Body Evidence

A California jury has convicted Larry Millete, 44, of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Maya Millete, 39, after a six-week trial. The verdict came despite the absence of Maya's body and the challenges faced by her family since she went missing on January 7, 2021. Prosecutors presented extensive evidence against Millete, including testimony from spellcasters who claimed he had hired them to manipulate his wife emotionally before her disappearance.

Maya Millete had confided in friends and relatives prior to her vanishing that she was unhappy with her marriage and feared for her safety if she attempted to leave. Her sister, Maricris Drouaillet, testified about Maya's concerns regarding potential retaliation from Larry should she pursue a divorce. The prosecution highlighted these fears as part of their case against Millete.

Chula Vista Police Chief Dan Peak expressed mixed sentiments following the verdict. While he acknowledged that justice had been served to some extent for Maya and her family, he emphasized the ongoing search for Maya's body and the need to bring closure to this unresolved mystery.

Juror Beverly Feldman commented on the strength of the prosecution's evidence, stating it was overwhelming and left little room for doubt about Millete's guilt. The jury found that while there were differing opinions on the exact method of Maya's death—ranging from poisoning with hemlock to strangulation—they all agreed that Larry Millete was responsible for her demise.

No sentencing hearing has been scheduled yet, as Millete still faces an additional weapons charge that must be resolved before the case can conclude.