🔥 Trending Larry Millete Trial: Jury Finds Him Guilty of First-Degree Murder

Larry Millete is an American man who gained public attention following the disappearance of his wife, Maya Millete, in January 2021. He was subsequently accused and tried for her murder, a case that garnered significant media coverage due to its no-body nature and the complex details that emerged during the investigation and trial ¹².

Early Life and Background

Larry Millete was born in the same year as his wife, Maya Mangaliman Talabanza Millete, who is originally from the Philippines. They were high school sweethearts ⁵. His father, Benito Millete, is a retired United States Navy veteran ⁵. Larry and Maya resided on Paseo Los Gatos in Chula Vista, San Diego, California ⁵.

Disappearance of Maya Millete and Subsequent Investigation

Maya Millete, a Filipino American woman, disappeared on January 7, 2021, from her home in Chula Vista, California ⁸. A police investigation was launched into her disappearance ⁸.

During the investigation, details emerged suggesting marital problems between Larry and Maya. Larry Millete's work supervisor testified that in the days leading up to Maya's disappearance, Larry missed multiple days of work and sent text messages expressing anguish over his marriage ⁶. He was also seen crying during testimony when text messages detailing his failing marriage were read aloud in court ⁷.

Murder Charge and Trial

In October 2021, Larry Millete was charged with Maya's murder ⁸. His trial began in May 2026 ⁸. This was a rare "no-body" murder case, meaning Maya's remains were never found ².

During the trial, the prosecution presented a case involving a "web of secrets, spellcasters, and digital evidence" ². The defense, however, characterized Larry as a "psychologically broken husband driven by his wife's affair and suicidal thoughts — not a murderer" ³. They argued that he was emotionally abused by his wife ³.

The trial saw intense moments, including an instance where Maya's father, Pablito Tabalanza, yelled at Larry Millete during questioning from the prosecution, leading the judge to clear the courtroom ⁴.

Verdict

Jurors ultimately reached a verdict in the murder trial ².