Larry Millete Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Wife's Murder

Larry Millete received 25 years to life for murdering his wife Maya Millete.

On November 2, 2026, Larry Millete was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Maya Millete, whose disappearance shocked the Chula Vista community. Maya vanished from her home on January 7, 2021, and despite exhaustive searches, her remains have never been found.

Millete’s conviction came after a jury trial that began on May 18, 2026, culminating in a guilty verdict on July 9, 2026. He has been in custody since his arrest in October 2021.

Adding to his prison term, Millete pleaded guilty to an assault weapon possession charge on July 20, 2026, receiving an additional consecutive two-year sentence.

During the emotionally charged sentencing hearing, members of Maya’s family, including her two teenage daughters, implored Millete to disclose the location of her body. Maricris Drouaillet, Maya’s sister, passionately urged, "Tell us where my sister is and help us bring her home."

Judge Enrique Camarena, presiding over the case, dismissed a defense motion for a new trial and criticized Millete’s indifference, stating, "The court finds the conduct abhorrent. It reflects a profound indifference regarding his missing wife, to the life that was taken and to the anguish inflicted upon the victim’s children and family."

In court, Millete said, "My only regret is I wasn’t able to protect my wife enough … I’m not a monster. I’m not a bad person." However, his silence about the location of Maya’s remains leaves the family without closure.

The case remains a poignant reminder of the unresolved aspects of many violent crimes, especially when key evidence, like a victim’s body, is missing despite legal resolution against the perpetrator.

Yes, but: Though sentenced, Larry Millete has yet to disclose Maya Millete's body location, prolonging family trauma.