CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Sunday marks three years since Chula Vista mother Maya Millete went missing. Her husband Larry Millete is charged with her murder, but investigators have yet to find her body or any indication she is still alive.
Maya's family and loved ones held a candlelight vigil in her honor at Mount San Miguel Park in Chula Vista, where the search for Maya first began three years ago.
Three years later
“We’re still looking, we want her home. Her kids want her home," said Melissa Noland, who has been part of the search group since 2021.
The community support encourages the family to keep fighting for answers.
“It really does mean a lot to the family, it encourages them and really renews their strength because they need it right now," said Norma Toothman, a friend of the family.
The location of the candlelight vigil is significant for the community.
“This is the heart of everything," said Noland.
It's where they initially gathered to start the search for her.
“It's more meaningful for the family and also to the community that we gather at the same place where it all began," added Toothman.
The South Bay mother of three disappeared January 7, 2021.
Maya’s husband is in jail awaiting trial for her murder charges, but has consistently maintained his innocence.
The community say they’re praying for answers and justice.
“We’re here gathering to pray for both the criminal case and the guardianship case. That there’s no further delays, that everything goes smoothly in court and for just strength for the family to endure what’s to come," added Toothman.
Among those in attendance was Chula Vista Mayor John McCann.
“This was a huge tragedy when Maya disappeared, and we need to be able to work together with the police department and district attorneys to find justice," said McCann.
Noland says despite the hardships, the community has grown closer together.
“It’s been something overwhelming. I mean all of us getting together, we all became a family, Maricris's family, Maya’s family, we’ve all become just one big unit," said Noland.
She and others are hoping to continue the search for Maya.
“It makes us not give up. It just makes you know that there’s still good out there in the world. If there wasn’t, we wouldn’t be as strong as we are right now," she continued.
Maya's family plans to continue search efforts in other parts of San Diego County in the coming weeks and are asking the community for help. Anyone willing to help is asked to email helpfindmaya@gmail.com
Larry Millete has a court appearance January 8.
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