A jury on Thursday found Larry Millete guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Maya Millete. The verdict came after five years of investigation and a trial that gripped San Diego County. The jury deliberated for roughly two days before reaching its decision.
Maya Millete vanished on Jan. 7, 2021. Her body has never been found. Prosecutors argued Larry Millete killed her in a fit of rage, driven by a deteriorating marriage and his obsession with witchcraft and the occult. Defense attorneys maintained there was no direct evidence linking him to the crime.
The jury’s deliberations focused on a single charge: first-degree murder. Under California law, jurors could also have considered lesser charges, including second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter. They chose the most severe option.
Key moments in the trial included testimony from the couple’s children. The eldest daughter recounted hearing a loud thump and her father’s voice the night Maya disappeared. Experts also detailed Larry Millete’s extensive Google searches for “how to get away with murder” and “how to break a neck.”
Prosecutors presented a timeline. Cell phone data placed Larry Millete’s phone near a remote area where cadaver dogs later alerted. No physical remains were recovered, a fact the defense highlighted repeatedly.
“The absence of a body does not mean there is no crime,” the lead prosecutor said in closing arguments. “The evidence of guilt is overwhelming.”
The defense countered. “The prosecution built a house of cards,” the defense attorney argued. “Suspicion is not proof.”
The jury disagreed. The verdict was read in a packed courtroom. Larry Millete showed no visible emotion. Maya’s family members wept.
Larry Millete now faces 25 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 30. The case remains under investigation for potential accomplices.
Breakdown of Charges Considered by Jury
| Charge | Definition | Possible Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder | Willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing | 25 years to life in prison |
| Second-Degree Murder | Intentional killing without premeditation | 15 years to life in prison |
| Voluntary Manslaughter | Killing in the heat of passion or sudden quarrel | 3 to 11 years in prison |
Note: The jury was instructed to consider first-degree murder first. Only if they found insufficient evidence for that charge could they move to lesser options.
The trial lasted eight weeks. More than 80 witnesses testified. Evidence included over 200,000 text messages and call records. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence.
Larry Millete did not testify in his own defense. His legal team argued the state’s case was built on speculation.
Outside the courthouse, Maya’s sister spoke briefly. “Justice for Maya,” she said. “It’s been a long five years.”
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What was Larry Millete found guilty of?
- A: Larry Millete was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Maya Millete.
- Q: Was Maya Millete’s body ever found?
- A: No, her body has never been found, but prosecutors argued the evidence was overwhelming.
- Q: What key evidence was presented at trial?
- A: Evidence included Google searches for ‘how to get away with murder,’ cell phone data, and testimony from the couple’s daughter about a loud thump the night Maya disappeared.
- Q: How long did the jury deliberate?
- A: The jury deliberated for approximately two days before reaching the guilty verdict.
- Q: What lesser charges could the jury have considered?
- A: Under California law, jurors could have considered second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter, but they chose first-degree murder.
Extended Reading
For ongoing coverage, refer to NBC 7 San Diego’s live updates on the trial and verdict. The court docket and full trial transcripts are available through the San Diego Superior Court. Additional analysis of jury deliberations and charge definitions is accessible via CBS 8 San Diego’s investigation unit.