By Gina Yarbrough
Chula Vista, CA–The husband of missing Chula Vista mom of three, May “Maya” Millete was arrested Tuesday by Chula Vista police at his east county home, authorities said at a press conference.
Larry Millete, 40, was taken into custody and booked into San Diego County Jail. He is being held without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday at the South Bay Courthouse in Chula Vista, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said Tuesday afternoon.
Stephan said her office has filed a murder charge against Millete. He is also charged with illegal possession of an assault weapon. If convicted, he faces life in state prison.
“Whenever one of our community goes missing, we hope for their safe return,” DA Stephan said. “Sometimes missing persons cases remain unsolved, but as the evidence unfolded in this case, it pointed in one direction— that May was murdered. As we make this announcement, I know the hearts of the community are with May’s family, her three young children, and everyone who knew and loved her.”
California law allows prosecutors to file murder charges even though May’s body has not been found. Specifically, case law holds that successfully disposing of a victim’s body does not entitle a murderer to avoid prosecution, according to Stephan.
The District Attorney’s Office filed the case based on evidence that was developed during a nine-month investigation based on the collaboration of the Chula Vista Police Department, which led the investigation, and a dedicated team from the DA’s Office along with support from the FBI and NCIS.
“Today is a step toward justice, but it does not mark the end of our investigation,” said Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy. “The Chula Vista Police Department will continue to seek answers for May’s family.”
On January 7, Maya disappeared from her residence she shared with her husband and three children.
During the months-long investigation, Chula Vista police served multiple search warrants at the residence to obtain evidence of Maya’s whereabouts, interviewed people, and sifted through hundreds of tips from the public.
In San Diego county, there is an average of 13 domestic violence-related homicides each year. These types of murders make up 14 % of all homicides in the county.
If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, call the National
Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for confidential support and assistance.