Missing San Diego woman’s husband arrested and charged with murder; body still missing

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (TCD) -- A 40-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly killing his wife, who went missing over nine months ago.

According to a Chula Vista Police Department press conference, the Chula Vista SWAT team served an arrest warrant for Larry Millete at his home with a reportedly large police presence. Larry was charged with murder and illegal possession of an assault weapon. He could face life in prison if convicted of killing May "Maya" Millete, his wife and the mother of their three kids, ages 11, 9, and 4.

Bonita Martinez, Larry Millete’s attorney, told KMFB-TV, "I received a courtesy call from the deputy district attorney alerting me to the arrest of Larry. He is going to be charged with murder."

Martinez added, "This is a surprise to me since they have no proof Maya is dead and I believe she is still alive."

The San Diego County District Attorney, however, argues the lack of body "is circumstantial evidence that there was foul play."

During Tuesday’s Chula Vista Police Department press conference, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said, "California law similar to across the nation, is very clear that we can file murder charges despite not having a body."

KMFB reports that Maya Millete went missing over nine months ago on Jan. 7 after reportedly contacting a divorce attorney. Larry reportedly knew she spoke with a divorce attorney. According to the arrest warrant provided by KMFB, however, Larry Millete "grew increasingly paranoid that Maya was going to leave the marriage, and he began to monitor her whereabouts."

Maya’s sister officially reported her missing two days later, on Jan. 9.

In Tuesday’s press conference, Stephan said Maya was in a "toxic relationship," sharing that her husband even contacted "spell casters" to force her to stay with him. He allegedly wished for her to endure an injury or accident in hopes that would happen.

KMFB reports that Millete fled his home and skipped work a day after his wife went missing, taking their 4-year-old son with him for over 11 hours.

In an interview with detectives, Millete allegedly said that he took the son with him to Solana Beach. However, he pointed to Torrey Pines when asked to point to the location on a map. Investigators reportedly believe that Maya’s body was dumped by Millete the day he disappeared, though his phone was allegedly left at home.

According to a Chula Vista Police Department press release, search warrants were served at their home multiple times, including Jan. 23, April 1, May 7, and July 7. During the May 7 search, a gun violence restraining order was served to Millete. Over 130 tips were reviewed on Maya’s location and reason for disappearance.

According to the Chula Vista Police Department press release, the entire investigation efforts included interviews with 87 individuals and 67 search warrants. The Chula Vista Police Department worked with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Millete is being held without bail, and his arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.

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