Testimony in the murder trial of Larry Millete has revealed unusual details as prosecutors presented evidence involving online spellcasters, digital searches, and emotional witness accounts tied to the disappearance of his wife, Maya Millete. The case is being heard in San Diego, where Millete has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
Background
Larry Millete, 44, is charged in the presumed death of his wife, Maya Millete, who was last seen on Jan. 7, 2021. Her body has never been found. Maya Millete was 39 at the time she disappeared.
Family members have testified that Maya had expressed fear in the weeks before she went missing. According to her sister, Maricris Drouaillet, Maya said she wanted to leave her marriage but worried about how her husband might react. Drouaillet previously said Maya told relatives that if anything happened to her, they should look at her husband.
Courtroom Testimony
The trial has drawn strong emotional reactions inside the courtroom. During testimony, Maya Millete’s father, Pablito Tablanza, told the court that Larry Millete once told him he wanted to kill someone while attending a family gathering.
According to reporting from Courthouse News Service, Tablanza became visibly overwhelmed while on the stand. He stood up, accused Millete of killing his daughter, then sat back down, covering his face. The emotional moment prompted Judge Enrique Camarena to call a recess.
Cameras have been barred from the courtroom, but reporters have been present to document testimony.
Spellcaster Messages
Prosecutors introduced more than 500 pages of text messages allegedly exchanged between Millete and an online spellcaster named Frank Peavey, who also uses the names Mystic Lunar and Tess.
According to testimony, the messages were sent in the weeks leading up to Maya Millete’s disappearance. Prosecutors said Millete asked for spells related to control, intimacy, and isolation. Requests included statements asking for more frequent sex, wishing Maya would become sick so she would rely on him, and asking for others to be removed from her life.
Peavey testified that Millete appeared frustrated when the spells did not produce the results he wanted. He said the communication became so frequent that he eventually blocked Millete.
Prosecutors allege Millete contacted multiple spellcasters in attempts to influence, harm, or incapacitate his wife.
Online Searches
Jurors were also shown evidence of online searches prosecutors described as concerning. Investigators traced the searches to a whistleblower email account created in March 2020.
According to testimony and court records, the searches included phrases such as “how much space does my wife need,” “how can you tell if wife had sex with another guy,” “hypnotize while you sleep,” “losing my wife,” and “shot in the heart instant death.”
Prosecutors argued the searches show a pattern of fixation, jealousy, and violent ideation.
Messages to Co-Workers
Several of Maya Millete’s co-workers testified about unusual messages sent after her disappearance. They said they believed Larry Millete may have accessed Maya’s Facebook account and responded in a group chat while pretending to be her.
One message identified the sender as Larry and asked a co-worker to help keep the family together. The messages raised concerns among the group, who said the tone and wording did not seem consistent with Maya’s usual communication.
Final Day Seen Alive
A co-worker, Kristeen Timmers, testified that on the last day Maya Millete was seen, she told Timmers she had argued with her husband. According to testimony, Millete wanted full custody of their children and ownership of the house, while Maya said he would need to buy out her share.
Under cross-examination, Timmers said she had never personally seen Larry Millete act violently.
Trial Continues
Larry Millete has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors continue presenting evidence as the trial proceeds. The case remains closely watched due to its unusual elements, emotional testimony, and the absence of Maya Millete’s body.
FAQs
Who is Larry Millete?
He is accused of murdering his wife, Maya Millete.
When did Maya Millete disappear?
She was last seen on Jan. 7, 2021.
Why were spellcasters mentioned in court?
Prosecutors say Millete contacted them before her disappearance.
Has Maya Millete’s body been found?
No, her body has never been recovered.
What plea did Larry Millete enter?
He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
