In a dramatic turn during a murder sentencing hearing, the father of a convicted murderer experienced a shocking medical event as he pleaded for leniency for his son. Benito Millete was in court on Monday when his pacemaker delivered an electrical jolt while he was speaking to Judge Enrique Camarena, who was presiding over the sentencing of his son, Larry Millete.
Larry Millete was sentenced to 25 years to life for the first-degree murder of his wife, Maya Millete, who vanished in January 2021. Her body has never been found. Benito Millete maintained his son's innocence, telling the court, "I would not be here at this very moment if I did not believe my son." As he continued his defense, he was seen grimacing and stumbling backward, exclaiming "Oh s**t" and informing the judge, "I'm sorry, Your Honor, I've got a pacemaker."
After apparently being shocked again, Benito Millete shouted expletives and requested medical attention, stating he believed "static" in the room was interfering with his device. Deputies escorted him from the courtroom, and he was later seen being loaded into an ambulance, reportedly conscious and talking.
The sentencing followed emotional impact statements from Maya Millete's family. Her daughters, Lara, 16, and Maylani, 15, spoke of their pain and pleaded with their father to reveal their mother's whereabouts to bring closure. Larry Millete expressed regret for not being a better husband and stated he loved and missed his wife, but Maya's family members expressed disbelief.
Prosecutors argued during the trial that Larry Millete was possessive and controlling, tracking his wife's finances and using "spell casters" in an attempt to influence her to abandon divorce plans. The prosecution also noted the presence of poison hemlock in the couple's home and Millete's online searches for poisons, suggesting a premeditated murder.
Defense attorneys argued that Millete's actions were a result of emotional distress over his wife's affair and that the hemlock was not evidence of guilt. However, a jury deliberated for only five hours before convicting Millete.
Judge Camarena described Millete's post-disappearance conduct as "callousness" and a "profound indifference regarding his missing wife." In addition to the murder sentence, Millete received a consecutive two-year sentence for assault weapon possession. The District Attorney's office stated they will oppose any future parole if Millete has not disclosed the location of his wife's remains.