Disturbing Evidence in Maya Milete Case
In a court session on Tuesday, a chilling 11-word message allegedly penned by missing California mother Maya Milete was shared, casting a dark shadow over the murder trial of her husband, Larry Milete. The message read: “Let me find my peace…I can’t find it with you.”
This troubling message emerged from a letter that Maya supposedly wrote in August 2020, months before she vanished from her home in Chula Vista, San Diego, on January 7, 2021.
Larry is facing accusations of killing his wife, but, notably, her body has never been discovered.
The letter, presented on the fifth day of the trial, depicted a grim picture of their failing marriage. Maya acknowledged her transformation, admitting, “You’re right. I’m not myself anymore. I’ve become a very angry person who is careless with my words.” She further elaborated on how their relationship had impacted her negatively, describing it as “unhealthy” and “toxic,” and expressed her desire for happiness for their children, stating, “I’m not happy being with you.”
Continuing her letter, she remarked, “I have been gone mentally and emotionally for a very long time.”
The jury also heard about questionable online searches from a device in the couple’s home. Testimony from David Gerber, a former Chula Vista police forensics expert, revealed search queries like “how to verbally torture someone mentally” and “psychological torture.”
Gerber added that there were signs of small bloodstains in the trunk of Larry’s Lexus, with evidence suggesting the area had been cleaned up somewhat.
However, he clarified that the vehicle was not officially seen as a crime scene. Detective Ryan Culver noted no signs of struggle or foul play when officers entered the Milete home that evening. He confirmed that Larry was cooperative with law enforcement during their inquiry.
Digital forensics specialists provided evidence from electronic devices owned by the couple. Amy Voight, an NCIS digital forensics examiner, reported that she accessed Maya’s Navy-issued laptop, which was encrypted due to her military work. Glenn Stark, a former member of the CVPD Digital Evidence Unit, stated he processed evidence from various devices, including a MacBook and both of their vehicles.
In later testimony, Detective Lorenzo Ruiz indicated that there had been no use of Maya’s credit card since her disappearance, aside from automatic payments. Likewise, there had been no activity from her cell phone, as confirmed by investigations that included checks with Uber and border officials without any signs of her leaving the country.
In examining security footage from the neighborhood, Lewis determined there were no indications of Maya departing the house after January 7.
Additionally, there were searches on Maya’s laptop regarding “physical abuse that appears years after marriage,” topics about divorce, child support, and signs of abuse. Many of these searches date back to August 2020.
The trial is projected to last approximately three months, with 152 potential witnesses identified. On Tuesday, defense attorney Leanne Sabatini raised objections regarding evidence linked to supposed activity on Tinder and Ashley Madison, but no evidence was introduced in court.
