Husband of former Hawaii woman missing since January charged with her murder
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The husband of a former Hawaii woman reported missing in California early this year has been charged with her murder.
Chula Vista police alongside prosecutors announced Larry Millete’s arrest Tuesday.
Prosecutors say he was responsible for killing May “Maya” Millete, a mother of three who was last seen at her San Diego home on Jan. 7. Her body hasn’t been found, but she is presumed dead.
Family members were present at the emotional news conference Tuesday.
May’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet, said through tears, “This is still not the end. We’re still asking the public, please help us bring my sister home. I just want to see my sister. We just want her to come home to us.”
During the nine-month-long investigation, Larry Millete emerged as a person of interest and eventual suspect. Chula Vista police said through their extensive investigation, they executed 67 search warrants, conducted 87 interviews, and reviewed upwards of 130 tips, which eventually helped build the case against him.
May Millete’s family previously told Hawaii Now Now she was a senior at Radford High School when she met Larry in 1999. They married on Oahu and later moved to San Diego to start a family.
For her family, Larry Millete’s alleged actions are unimaginable and come as a heartbreaking shock.
“It’s really hard. He’s our family. It’s hard to go against a family. He’s been with us for 20 years. My sister did love him,” Drouaillet said.
Evidence that May Millete wanted a divorce since late 2020 led prosecutors to paint a possible motive for her husband, who they say did not agree to ending the marriage.
Family members said she was a dedicated wife and loving mother, and was growing increasingly concerned about the health of their relationship for her and their three children.
”Let the kids know where their mommy is at. Let them know the truth,” Drouaillet added.
Phone logs and messages showed her last call on Jan. 7 was to a divorce attorney. Prosecutors also said leading up to her disappearance, Larry Millete allegedly orchestrated harmful plots against his wife, eventually leading to her murder in January.
“Our team did not stop. They relentlessly pursued justice,” Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy said. “May’s murder is a senseless tragedy. A mother is gone, a family is broken, and a community is left with questions and confusion.”
Multiple agencies were involved in the investigation. Larry Millete was also charged with assault weapons possession violations. He remains in custody without bail and is set to be arraigned on Thursday.
Read previous reports:
- ‘Please help us’: Family of missing Radford alumna asks public to help in the search
- Husband named person of interest in disappearance of Radford alumna
- Loved ones frantically search for any sign of missing Radford alumna in CA
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