Larry Millete Trial: Abuse Allegations and Future Plans Evidence Presented

The murder trial of Larry Millete entered its twelfth day, with lead investigator James Rhoades and other witnesses presenting evidence regarding the disappearance of Maya Millete on January 7, 2021. Testimony highlighted Larry Millete’s alleged control over family finances and Maya’s documented plans for the future, contradicting defense claims that she left voluntarily.

How did financial control impact Maya Millete’s planning?

According to testimony from Claudia Julao, a former co-worker and financial planner, Maya Millete expressed a strong desire for estate planning. She told Julao she wanted to ensure her children were taken care of if anything happened to her.

However, Julao testified that Maya couldn’t provide concrete financial information because Larry controlled all the finances. Maya intended to gather the necessary data and reach out after the new year, but that communication never occurred.

Did You Know? Lead investigator James Rhoades, assigned to the case in April 2021, wrote nearly 60 different warrants and reviewed a massive amount of evidence during the investigation.

What evidence surfaced regarding the couple’s communications?

Investigator James Rhoades testified that no direct text message threads between Larry and Maya were found on Larry’s seized phone. The only discovery was a group chat from June 2020 involving Larry’s personal phone, Maya’s personal phone, and her work phone.

Rhoades noted that Larry dominated this conversation, sending 473 of the 587 total messages. Many of these texts involved Larry begging Maya to return home during a brief period when she had moved out. One specific text from Larry stated, “I only strayed once. I promised to never do it again.”

Why do future plans contradict the defense narrative?

The prosecution called witnesses to argue that Maya had no intention of disappearing. Professional photographer Camille Camacho testified that Maya reached out in December 2020 to schedule a photoshoot.

The pair agreed via email to a mid-January date to photograph Maya with her new Jeep in the Anza Borrego desert. This planned event never took place, and Camacho never heard from Maya again after the scheduling process.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the prosecution is strategically layering evidence of “future intent”—such as the photoshoot and estate planning—to dismantle the defense’s theory of a voluntary departure. By establishing that Maya was making concrete plans for January 2021, the prosecution aims to make the disappearance appear inconsistent with a planned exit.

What did the journal entries and family testimony reveal?

Rhoades read journal entries addressed to Maya’s daughters, discovered during a search of the Millete home in Chula Vista’s San Miguel Ranch neighborhood. A September 2012 entry detailed accusations of physical and mental abuse, with Maya writing that she was “literally afraid” of Larry.

Bombshell testimony in Larry Millete murder trial | "Case by Case" | "48 Hours" Podcast

Additionally, Genesis Tabalanza, Maya’s sister-in-law, testified about her role as a confidant to Larry in 2020. While defense attorney Colby Ryan highlighted texts showing Larry’s depression and anxiety over the marriage, Tabalanza told the jury that Maya would not abandon her children.

What may happen next in the trial?

Because the court adjourned at 4:30 p.m. while Rhoades still had entries to read, he may remain on the witness stand for much of Tuesday. The proceedings could continue to explore the history of the relationship through the seized journals.

Furthermore, the trial dynamics may shift now that Judge Enrique Camarena has allowed Larry’s mother, father, and aunt to observe the proceedings, as the prosecution decided they will not be called as witnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Maya Millete disappear?

Maya Millete vanished on January 7, 2021.

What was the significance of the group chat testimony?

Investigator James Rhoades testified that Larry Millete sent 473 of the 587 messages in a June 2020 group chat, primarily begging Maya to come back.

Who testified about Maya’s financial situation?

Claudia Julao, a former co-worker and financial planner, testified that Maya wanted estate planning but could not provide financial details because Larry controlled the finances.

Do you believe evidence of future planning is the most critical factor in missing persons cases?