During the sentencing hearing for his son, Larry Millete, convicted of the murder of Maya Millete, Larry's father, Benito, experienced a bizarre and dramatic episode. While defending his son and speaking disparagingly of Maya, Benito Millete reported and appeared to experience multiple shocks from his pacemaker.
The incident was captured on camera as Benito Millete clutched his chest and stumbled backward, exclaiming "Oh s—t." He attributed the sensations to his pacemaker malfunctioning, stating, "This is what happens in this world." He also suggested "static" in the room might be interfering with the device.
After a second jolt, Benito Millete requested medical attention and was escorted out of the courtroom by sheriff's deputies. He was later seen being placed into an ambulance outside the courthouse, reportedly conscious and talking.
According to the American College of Cardiology, pacemakers do not deliver shocks; implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are capable of doing so.
Larry Millete Sentenced
The court sentenced Larry Millete to 25 years to life in prison. Judge Enrique Camarena denied Millete parole, deeming him a danger to society.
Millete, a Navy optician, was found guilty of first-degree murder in July after a jury deliberated for approximately five hours. The prosecution presented evidence of domestic abuse, infidelity, and a pattern of fear inflicted upon Maya Millete, who was last seen in January 2021 and whose body has never been found.
Maya Millete's journal entries, presented as evidence, detailed her fears of her husband and accusations of physical abuse. In one entry, she wrote, "He abuses me physically. … I want to be strong, so he never puts his hands on me again."
Benito Millete maintained his belief in his son's innocence, stating he had repeatedly asked Larry if he had harmed Maya, and his son had denied it. His remarks during the hearing, including a comment about his son telling the family not to disturb Maya when she was "drunk," drew gasps from the gallery.
During his statement in court, Larry Millete told Maya's family that he missed her and expressed love for his children. However, Maya's family members voiced disbelief and anger, with one niece asking, "Why did you kill her?"