Testimony in the murder trial of Larry Millete continued Monday with jurors hearing from the man prosecutors say Maya Millete was involved with before her disappearance. James “Jamey” Laird took the witness stand in San Diego Superior Court, offering details about his relationship with Maya and his actions around the time she was last seen.
Larry Millete is charged with killing his wife, Maya Millete, in January 2021 and concealing her body. He has pleaded not guilty. Maya’s body has never been found.
Testimony
Laird testified that he met Maya in July 2019 while both were working at the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center as Navy contract specialists. He told jurors that their relationship began as a friendship and later became romantic in January 2020.
Both Laird and Maya were married at the time. Laird said he cared deeply for Maya and described their relationship as emotionally significant. He told the jury that they shared personal details about their lives and discussed challenges in their respective marriages.
Laird testified that Maya confided in him about feeling controlled in her marriage, describing concerns she had about her husband’s behavior. He said he was worried about her well-being and believed she was under emotional strain.
Timeline
According to Laird, his last communication with Maya occurred on January 7, 2021, the same day she disappeared from her Chula Vista home. He told jurors that he was at a hospital that evening because his then-wife was in labor with their first child.
Laird said he remained at the hospital during the birth and did not learn that Maya was missing until later. His testimony placed him away from Maya’s home on the night she was last seen.
Credibility
Defense attorneys have raised questions about Laird’s credibility, arguing that he lied to his wife, his supervisors, and Chula Vista police during the early stages of the investigation. They contend that his actions and omissions meant he was not fully scrutinized as a possible suspect.
On the stand, Laird acknowledged that he was afraid of losing both his job and his marriage and said that fear influenced how he responded to investigators. He testified that his decisions at the time were driven by panic and concern over the consequences of revealing the affair.
Laird was dismissed from court late Monday, though the judge indicated he could be recalled to testify again.
Toxicology
In addition to Laird’s testimony, jurors also heard from a botanist called by the prosecution to discuss poison hemlock, a plant investigators have linked to evidence found in the Millete home.
Jonathan Rebman, a botanist with the San Diego Natural History Museum, testified that poison hemlock is common throughout San Diego County and across much of the United States. He told jurors that the plant contains a potent toxin called coniine, which can be absorbed through the skin.
Rebman brought a sample of poison hemlock to court that he said was collected from Florida Canyon near Balboa Park, an area close to Balboa Hospital where Larry Millete worked. He wore protective gloves while handling the plant and warned against inhaling it due to potential health risks.
Evidence
Rebman testified that as little as 300 milligrams of poison hemlock could be fatal to an adult. He also explained methods by which the toxin could be extracted from the plant, including soaking it in water or chemicals.
He further identified hairy fleabane, another plant that was tested by the FBI after being found at the Millete home. Rebman said both plants can commonly grow in the same environments and are frequently found in local canyons.
The prosecution has suggested poison hemlock as a possible murder weapon, though no definitive cause of death has been established due to the absence of Maya Millete’s body.
Context
The case against Larry Millete relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, expert testimony, and witness accounts of the couple’s relationship in the months leading up to Maya’s disappearance. The defense has argued that investigators focused too narrowly on Millete and failed to thoroughly investigate other potential leads.
As the trial continues, jurors are being asked to weigh conflicting narratives about motive, opportunity, and credibility.
Outlook
Court proceedings are expected to continue with additional witnesses and expert testimony. The judge has indicated that Laird may be recalled if further questioning is needed.
The trial remains ongoing in San Diego Superior Court.
Monday’s testimony added detail to both Maya Millete’s personal relationships and the scientific evidence presented by prosecutors. As jurors continue to hear from witnesses, the case remains centered on whether the prosecution can prove its theory beyond a reasonable doubt in the absence of physical remains.
FAQs
Who testified in court on Monday?
James Laird, a former co-worker and alleged affair partner of Maya Millete.
When did Maya Millete disappear?
She was last seen on January 7, 2021.
What did Laird say about their relationship?
He said it began as a friendship and became romantic in 2020.
What plant did experts testify about?
Poison hemlock, a highly toxic plant common in San Diego.
Is the trial still ongoing?
Yes, additional witnesses and testimony are expected.
