Patricia Laird, the ex-wife of Maya Millete's alleged affair partner, testified that Larry Millete repeatedly contacted her about the affair in the months leading up to Maya's disappearance. Maya Millete, a 39-year-old mother of three, vanished in January 2021 from her Chula Vista, California home. Though her body has not been found, she is presumed dead, and her husband, Larry Millete, faces murder charges, which he denies.
During Larry Millete's trial, Patricia Laird testified that Larry began calling her after she had briefly separated from her husband, Jamey Laird, in February 2020, due to his messaging another woman. According to NBC San Diego, Patricia stated that Larry Millete informed her about the affair between her husband and Maya. Despite reuniting with Jamey and becoming pregnant, Patricia testified that Larry Millete continued to contact her, leading her to block multiple phone numbers associated with the couple.
Patricia Laird, who is a San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy, testified that two days before Maya Millete disappeared, on January 5, 2021, Larry Millete called to say Maya had confessed to the affair. Patricia then confronted Maya, who reportedly stated she was lying to her husband because he was "crazy." When asked if she felt scared or intimidated, Maya reportedly said no. Patricia offered Maya resources for a restraining order, which Maya said she would pursue through the Chula Vista Police Department if needed.
Patricia Laird went into labor on January 7, 2021, the same day Maya Millete vanished. She testified that her husband, Jamey Laird, was with her at the hospital until January 10. The calls from Larry Millete reportedly ceased after Maya went missing. Patricia and Jamey Laird eventually divorced after he admitted to the affair.
Earlier in the trial, Jamey Laird testified that he had lied during police interviews following Maya's disappearance. He admitted to being in love with Maya but stated he deleted their messages when his wife went into labor. He expressed concern for Maya due to her husband's alleged controlling behavior and recounted an argument with her after Larry Millete contacted his wife about the affair. Jamey Laird told the court he had told Maya he could not "have this happening."
Larry Millete has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and illegal possession of an assault rifle. Maya Millete married Larry Millete in 2000, and they had three children together.