Larry Millete convicted in Maya Millete murder after spellcaster trail
CBS News reported Larry Millete was found guilty in his wife Maya’s death after investigators examined online spells and a troubled marriage.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Larry Millete, the California man accused in the disappearance and death of his wife, Maya Millete, was found guilty of first-degree murder on July 9, 2026, according to CBS News.
Maya, a mother of three, disappeared from her home in Chula Vista, California, in January 2021. CBS News reported that her body has not been found.
The case drew attention not only because Maya vanished amid marital strain, but because investigators and people assisting her family said Larry Millete had pursued online spellcasters as the relationship deteriorated.
According to CBS News, Maya’s friends and relatives became suspicious of Larry after she vanished. The couple had been dealing with marital problems for about a year, and Maya had indicated she wanted to leave the marriage, the network reported.
Spellcasters became part of the case
Billy Little, a former criminal defense investigator for the U.S. Navy who helped Maya’s family early in the investigation, told CBS News’ “48 Hours” that Larry had contacted multiple spellcasters online.
Little said Larry had first sought spells meant to make Maya fall back in love with him. As the marriage worsened, police said Larry later wanted to harm her, according to CBS News.
Little also said he found evidence that Larry purchased spells online. CBS News published a photo described as Larry Millete’s witchcraft altar.
One detail stood out: Little said Larry left a customer-style review for a spellcaster. CBS News reported the review said the spellcaster was “kind, professional and courteous” and that the casting had “not yet manifested,” though the writer was “really hoping and counting on it.”
Jonathan Vigliotti, a “48 Hours” contributor, compared the review to something a customer might leave after a routine online purchase. Little told the program the digital trail pointed back toward Larry.
Arrest, plea and conviction
Larry Millete was arrested in October 2021 on a murder charge in connection with Maya’s death, CBS News reported. He pleaded not guilty.
Larry had said his wife left to begin a new life, according to CBS News.
In August 2024, a judge awarded custody of Maya’s three children to her sister, Maricris, CBS News reported.
The case ended with a jury finding Larry Millete guilty of first-degree murder in Maya’s death on July 9, 2026, according to the network.
Maya Millete remains missing.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.