A Devoted Mom, Troubled Marriage, and Spell-Casters: The Disappearance of Maya Millete

The disappearance of May “Maya” Millete, a devoted mother of three from Chula Vista, California, remains one of the most perplexing cases in recent memory. On Jan. 7, 2021, Maya, then 39, vanished without a trace, leaving behind a tight-knit family and a community desperate for answers. What began as a missing person report quickly spiraled into a high-profile investigation filled with disturbing allegations, unanswered questions, and a husband now accused of murder.

A Devoted Mother and Accomplished Woman

Born in the Philippines, Maya immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, excelling academically and graduating with honors in International Studies from the University of California, San Diego. Maya was known for her vibrant personality, love for adventure, and unwavering devotion to her three children. She balanced her role as a civilian contract specialist at Naval Base San Diego with raising her kids, often involving them in outdoor activities like hiking and off-roading. Her commitment to family and community extended to charitable endeavors, such as delivering school supplies to rural children in the Philippines during visits.

Marital Struggles

Beneath Maya’s seemingly picture-perfect life, her marriage to Larry Millete was unraveling. Married since they were 19, the couple had been together for over two decades. By early 2021, Maya reportedly contacted a divorce lawyer about filing for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

According to court testimony, Larry became increasingly controlling and attempted to keep Maya from leaving him. Investigators later revealed that Larry had hired online “spell-casters” to try to influence Maya’s emotions, shifting from love spells to requests to harm her as their marital issues intensified.

The Day Maya Vanished

On Jan. 7, 2021, Maya was last seen on security footage at her Chula Vista home, where she lived with Larry and their children. That evening, she apparently contacted a divorce attorney, a significant step in her plans to separate. Two days later, her sister, Maricris Drouaillet, reported her missing after Maya failed to show up for her daughter’s birthday trip to Big Bear.
Maya’s car was still parked at home, but calls to her phone went unanswered. Larry was the last person known to have seen her. When questioned by her family, he gave them conflicting accounts of where she could have gone.

A Disturbing Timeline

Over the following months, investigators uncovered troubling evidence against Larry. Searches of the Millete home revealed firearms, and Larry was eventually served with a gun violence restraining order. Investigators also found messages between Larry and spell-casters requesting Maya be incapacitated or unable to leave their home.

In October 2021, nine months after Maya’s disappearance, Larry was arrested and charged with her murder. Despite pleading not guilty, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Larry was the last person to see Maya alive and accused him of manipulating their children during the investigation.

A Community’s Dedication

Maya’s disappearance has galvanized her family and community. Her sister Maricris and groups like “Help Find Maya” have organized search parties, rallies, and fundraising efforts to continue the search for answers. Volunteers have scoured remote areas, including desert landscapes near the Arizona border, hoping to uncover any clue that could lead to Maya’s whereabouts.

The Road Ahead

Larry Millete’s trial has faced repeated delays, including one instance where his defense requested more time after he ran out of money to fund his legal representation. Meanwhile, Maya’s family continues to fight for justice and closure. Despite years of searching and investigating, Maya’s body has not been found, leaving her loved ones in limbo.

Maya Millete’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the hidden struggles that can exist behind closed doors. Her family's unwavering determination to find her and bring her justice keeps her memory alive.

Anyone with information about Maya’s disappearance is urged to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers or the Chula Vista Police Department.

References: Timeline: The disappearance of Maya Millete |May ‘Maya’ Millete’s husband, accused killer struggling with money, asks for trial delay | Judge pushes start of murder trial for Maya Millete’s husband, Larry, to next summer | Help Find Maya: About Maya