The lover of Maya Millete, a mother of three who vanished in January 2021 and is presumed dead, admitted to lying to police during her husband Larry Millete's murder trial. James Laird testified at San Diego Superior Court that he initially downplayed his affair with Maya Millete out of fear his wife would discover their relationship, especially as his wife had recently given birth.
Laird, who was Maya Millete's co-worker and began an affair with her in 2020, told the court he was concerned about her husband's controlling behavior. He revealed that he had argued with Maya in the days before her disappearance on January 7, 2021, after Larry Millete contacted Laird's wife about the affair. Laird stated he told Maya, "I could not have this happening."
Larry Millete was arrested nine months after his wife vanished and has pleaded not guilty to murder and illegal possession of an assault rifle. The trial began last month after multiple delays. Laird confessed to the affair, which became physical in early 2021, and admitted to deleting messages with Maya when his wife went into labor on the same day Maya disappeared. He testified that he lied to police because he was scared and wanted to save his marriage, but later admitted his initial statements contradicted what he told authorities.
Defense attorneys highlighted the nature of the messages between Laird and Maya Millete, with 76 percent reportedly being sexual. Laird also testified that Maya confided in him about her husband's controlling behavior, including Larry's alleged refusal to let her drive and the installation of a tracking device in her car. Maya Millete had reportedly planned to divorce her husband and had informed her eldest daughter of this intention.
Prosecutors presented evidence of poison hemlock found in the Millete home. An expert witness testified that the plant, which grows in San Diego County, can be lethal in small quantities. The defense suggested a child could have inadvertently handled the plant. Investigators also uncovered alleged search history from the couple's devices, including terms like "how to mentally torture someone with words" and "psychological torture."
Detective Lorenzo Ruiz testified that Maya Millete's credit card activity ceased after January 7, 2021, and no camera footage showed her leaving the home that day. Laird and his wife have since divorced, and Maya Millete's sister gained custody of her children in 2024. The trial is ongoing.