Larry Millete, 44, a former US Navy sharpshooter, has been convicted of first-degree murder for the death of his wife Maya Millete, a mother of three who vanished on January 7, 2021. Her body has never been found.
Background of the Case
Maya Millete worked at the US Navy’s Naval Information Warfare Centre in Hawaii. She was last seen entering her family home around 4:45 pm on January 7, 2021. Her last known contact was a text message to her sister at about 8:15 pm that evening. Her phone terminated all cellular connections at approximately 1:25 am on January 8.
According to the Lights Out podcast, Larry had contacted online spell-casters to repair his failing marriage. Police found a five-star review he wrote for one self-proclaimed witch. He spent over $11,000 (around £8,000) on these services, initially for love spells but later requesting curses.
Evidence Presented at Trial
Prosecutors argued that Larry killed Maya because she wanted a divorce. He then loaded her body into an SUV and disposed of it on January 8. Despite the absence of a body, investigators found poison hemlock in the home. A vial tested positive for coniine, a poisonous compound found in poison hemlock. Records showed Larry had searched online for poison hemlock and other methods of incapacitation.
Larry sent a message to a spell-caster asking: “Please punish May and incapacitate her enough so she can't leave the house. It's time to take the gloves off.” His spell requests abruptly ended after Maya’s disappearance.
Trial and Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than a day before convicting Larry. He now faces life in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Christy Bowles said: “While today's verdict is significant, Maya is still missing. We continue to hope that one day, she will be found so her family can lay her to rest with the dignity she deserves.”
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan stated: “Finally, justice has been served for Maya and for everyone who has carried the weight of her absence for more than five years. Our hearts are with Maya's family, friends and especially her three children, who have endured an unimaginable loss.”
Family’s Response
Maya’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet, joined Bowles in expressing gratitude for the verdict but emphasized the search continues. Maya’s family insisted she would never voluntarily leave her three children, as she was devoted to them.
