The May “Maya”Millete saga has taken a painful step forward.
In January the young mother of three was reported missing.
On Tuesday the Chula Vista police arrested Maya’s husband Larry, and District Attorney Summer Stephan announced prosecutors were charging the spouse with murder in addition to a gun violation.
At first glance this might appear to be one step toward closure for Maya’s family, friends and the community that has adopted her.
But Maya has not been found. In any condition.
Authorities believe she was killed and died at the hands of her husband, thus the murder charge.
In outlining their case against Larry Millete prosecutors publicly shared information about text messages and phone calls made in the days leading to Maya’s disappearance. Notably, Maya wanted a divorce, Larry did not, prosecutors said.
They also said Larry Millete reached out to spell casters, suggesting he wanted something to happen that would force her to stay in the marriage.
For nine months police investigated Maya’s whereabouts and after all this time “there is no proof of life that May is alive,”said Stephan, referring to the woman friends and family call Maya.
At the same time there is no incontrovertible proof that Maya is dead. Her remains have yet to be found. And that may be the obstacle that prevents Maya’s loved ones from ever having absolute closure.
Regardless of how the current case against Larry Millete ends, whether he is found guilty of murdering his wife, he is acquitted or charges are dropped, until Maya is found she will always be missing.
Hours upon hours of police investigation have been poured into determining what happened to Maya. Volunteers have scoured various locales hoping to find a trace of their friend and loved one. To date they have found nothing.
Police are still asking anyone with useful information to contact them.
Maya is still missing.
She needs to come home.
For the sake of the family so that they can have closure and for the sake of Maya, so that she can finally rest.
