Larry Millete Sentenced in Maya Millete Case as Family Conflicts Unfold
A medical emergency halted the hearing in San Diego, while prosecutors criticized the defendant's lack of remorse regarding the missing mother's remains.
By Noor Phillips ·
Larry Millete received his sentence in a San Diego courtroom on Monday, an event that drew intense emotional reactions from both sides of the family. The hearing became chaotic when Millete's father, Benito Millete, suffered a medical emergency and was removed from the room on a stretcher. Benito, who stated he had a pacemaker, was rushed out shortly after prosecutors objected to his remarks.
Following statements from Maya Millete's relatives, defense counsel requested that the defendant's family also speak. Millete's mother, father, and aunt each addressed the court in his support. The incident involving Benito Millete interrupted the proceedings, forcing a brief pause before the hearing could continue. Millete later took the stand to speak for himself, describing himself as a decent husband rather than a monster or a bad person.
District Attorney Summer Stephan pushed back against Millete's self-assessment. She argued that his comments showed a lack of remorse and failed to address the primary concern of Maya's family: the location of her remains. Stephan noted that Millete never mentioned bringing his wife home or allowing their children to have her remains.
After the sentencing concluded, law enforcement officials, attorneys, and members of Maya's family held a news conference. They reflected on the five years of work dedicated to the case. Maya's sister, Maricris Drouaillet, used the moment to thank local media coverage, specifically reporter Laura Acevedo, for guiding her through her first on-camera interview after her sister disappeared. Drouaillet credited Acevedo with helping her navigate the process.
Acting Chief of Police for the Chula Vista Police Department, Dan Peake, stated that the department remains committed to finding Maya Millete. He said the police are continuing the search to bring her home and provide her family with closure. Despite the conclusion of the sentencing phase, authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Maya Millete's remains have not yet been recovered.
