Spell Casters, a Suspicious Freezer and a Vial of Hemlock: Calif. Husband Learns Fate 5 Years After Mother of 3 Vanished

A California man has been convicted of the first-degree murder of his wife, May “Maya” Millete, who vanished from their home over two years ago and whose body has yet to be discovered. Larry Millete, 44, was found guilty on Thursday, 9 July, following a lengthy seven-week trial that highlighted key circumstantial evidence against him.

The prosecution argued that Larry’s motivation stemmed from Maya’s decision to end their marriage. Evidence presented during the trial included surveillance footage and communications Larry had with individuals claiming to cast spells, reportedly in an attempt to harm Maya. District Attorney Summer Stephan stated unequivocally that the evidence demonstrated Larry’s involvement in his wife’s death, despite the absence of her body.

Maya, a 40-year-old mother of three and an employee of the U.S. Department of Defense, was last seen on 7 January 2021. This date was just a day before a planned family trip to Big Bear Lake, where the family intended to celebrate their daughter’s birthday with relatives. Concerns for her well-being were raised two days later, leading relatives to report her missing when they could not contact her.

Witness testimonies revealed that Maya had expressed intentions of divorcing Larry and had confided in others about alleged abuse. Furthermore, she had reportedly arranged a meeting with a divorce lawyer to take place after the family’s trip. Just three days prior to her disappearance, she sent Larry a telling text message, saying, “I’m filing for divorce whether you like it or not,” indicating her firm decision to end their relationship.

Prosecutors brought forth additional evidence suggesting Larry was unable to cope with the prospect of losing his wife. In a press conference in 2021, District Attorney Stephan stated that Larry had consulted with self-proclaimed spell casters, seeking ways to prevent Maya from leaving him. Investigators also discovered hemlock, a highly toxic plant, in the family residence, alongside evidence suggesting he had researched it online.

In a further twist, a former detective with the Chula Vista Police Department testified that on the day after Maya went missing, a suspicious loading of a freezer into an SUV belonging to Larry’s aunt was captured on surveillance video. Notably, no footage had been found showing Maya departing the residence at any point. Prosecutors emphasised this absence as a crucial element of their case.

Throughout the trial, the jury was presented with recordings that featured unexplained loud noises captured by a neighbour’s surveillance system on the night of Maya’s disappearance. This raised further questions regarding the events that transpired that evening, with some jurors reportedly expressing concern over the implausibility of Larry’s defence.

Larry’s legal counsel contended that without a body, the prosecution had failed to definitively prove murder or even that Maya was deceased. They attempted to pivot suspicion towards possible alternative suspects, suggesting that Maya may have had an affair, although it was revealed that the individual she was purportedly seeing was at the hospital for his child’s birth on the day she went missing.

Despite the conviction, officials have reiterated that the quest for Maya is ongoing. DA Stephan reaffirmed their commitment to finding her, stating in a press release, “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.”

Maya’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet, spoke at a press conference following the verdict, expressing hope that justice continues to evolve. She shared, “Justice has probably been served today, but we still have the second step to go through. We still have to bring my sister home, to bring her to her children that have been waiting five years.”

As the legal process progresses, the date for Larry’s sentencing has yet to be established. The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the relentless search for justice in the face of personal tragedy.