Day 20 of the murder trial of Larry Millete brought some of the most closely watched testimony so far, as jurors heard directly from James “Jamey” Laird, a former co-worker of missing Chula Vista mother Maya Millete. Millete, 39, disappeared in January 2021 and has not been found. Her husband, Larry Millete, is charged with her murder and has pleaded not guilty.
Court proceedings have focused heavily on the timeline leading up to Maya’s disappearance, including her personal relationships, her marriage, and communications recovered by investigators.
Testimony
Laird testified that his relationship with Maya Millete developed from a professional connection into a romantic relationship after they met through work at the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, where both were employed as Navy contractors.
He told the court the relationship became physical in early 2020 and intensified over time. He described it as emotionally significant, while also acknowledging that both he and Maya were married during the affair.
Laird testified that during 2020, both his wife and Maya became pregnant, adding further complexity to their personal circumstances. He said his wife went into labor on the same day Maya was last seen alive on January 7, 2021.
Relationship
According to Laird’s testimony, the relationship between him and Maya involved frequent communication, much of it conducted through a private Instagram account. He said the two worked together to conceal the affair from spouses, family members, and colleagues.
He told the court that both parties coordinated denials and maintained a shared effort to keep the relationship hidden. Laird said they also used nicknames for their spouses and discussed personal and marital issues in private messages.
He testified that Maya referred to her husband, Larry Millete, using a nickname connected to the character Voldemort, while he referred to his own wife using a shorthand reference.
Concerns
Laird also told jurors that Maya confided in him about what she described as controlling behavior by her husband. This included allegations that she was not allowed to drive herself to work and concerns about surveillance.
He testified that Maya believed a tracking device had been placed in her vehicle and that another device had been hidden in her home. Laird said he advised her to be cautious based on what she told him.
His testimony also referenced a meeting at work involving supervisors after the affair became known, during which he said he and Maya initially denied the relationship and coordinated their statements.
Investigation
Laird acknowledged that he provided false statements to investigators after Maya’s disappearance. He testified that he initially denied the affair, misrepresented communication details, and withheld information due to fear of personal and professional consequences.
He also admitted to signing statements under penalty of perjury denying the relationship and said he deleted messages and communications to conceal the affair.
During cross-examination, defense attorneys challenged his credibility by confronting him with prior statements and digital messages, including Instagram exchanges. Laird acknowledged inconsistencies and repeated inaccuracies in his earlier accounts to police.
Timeline
Laird testified that he last communicated with Maya in the days leading up to her disappearance. He described her as planning to leave her husband and pursue divorce proceedings after a planned family trip that never occurred.
He also said Maya had begun sharing information about the situation with her eldest daughter, who he said was aware of the planned separation.
Laird told the court he remained at the hospital for the birth of his child on January 7, 2021, and only learned that Maya was missing days later when contacted by relatives and friends.
Cross examination
Defense attorneys focused heavily on inconsistencies in Laird’s statements. He was repeatedly questioned about prior interviews with law enforcement, deleted communications, and the nature of his relationship with Maya.
He acknowledged that a significant portion of their messages were of a personal and sexual nature and that he had deleted portions of their communication history. Attorneys also questioned him about the timing of disclosures made to his wife and investigators.
At one point, he was asked to read excerpts of a letter he wrote to Maya in mid-2020, which reflected the personal nature of their relationship prior to her disappearance.
Additional testimony
Separately, prosecutors introduced expert testimony from a botanist regarding poison hemlock, a toxic plant found in San Diego County. The expert testified about its prevalence and toxicity, noting that small quantities can be lethal if processed and consumed.
Investigators previously reported that plant material was found during a search of Larry Millete’s home, prompting examination of local flora and potential toxic substances.
The expert also testified about other plant material identified in the same area, stating that both species discussed in court are commonly found in local canyons, including areas near public parks in San Diego.
Context
The case against Larry Millete relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, digital records, witness testimony, and behavioral analysis presented by prosecutors. The defense has argued that investigators have focused too narrowly on Millete and have not fully explored alternative explanations.
The absence of Maya Millete’s body remains a central factor in the trial, with jurors being asked to evaluate competing narratives about her disappearance and the events leading up to it.
Outlook
Laird’s testimony is now complete for this phase of the trial, though the court has indicated he may be recalled. Additional witnesses and expert testimony are expected as both sides continue building their cases.
The proceedings remain ongoing in San Diego Superior Court.
Day 20 of the trial added detailed testimony about Maya Millete’s personal relationships, communication history, and final days before her disappearance, alongside forensic discussion involving toxic plant material. The case continues to hinge on interpreting a complex mix of digital evidence, witness credibility, and circumstantial findings presented over multiple weeks of testimony.
FAQs
Who testified on Day 20?
James Laird, Maya Millete’s former co-worker and affair partner.
What did Laird admit in court?
He admitted lying to police and deleting messages about the affair.
When did Maya Millete disappear?
She was last seen on January 7, 2021.
What evidence involved poison hemlock?
Plant material linked to poison hemlock was found during a search.
Is the trial ongoing?
Yes, additional testimony and witnesses are still expected.
