SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Family, friends, and San Diegans came together in El Cajon on Saturday to continue the search for Maya Millete, just days after her husband was arrested and charged with murder.
"I hope today will be the last day," said Maya's sister, Maricris Drouaillet. "As we always hope every weekend."
Holding out hope that closure would come in finding Maya Millete, the Chula Vista mother of three, who went missing in January.
"We need the help, unfortunately, we need a lot of help," said Maya's brother-in-law, Richard Drouaillet.
San Diegans showed up for Maya's family and friends and met in the El Cajon Walmart parking lot Saturday at 7 a.m., to caravan to Anza Borrego to help search for Maya.
For some, it was their first time joining the Maya search team, and it was emotional.
"It is very...I cannot imagine what her family is feeling, especially her kids," said Maria Romero, first-time searcher for Maya.
Major developments for Maya's family this week as Maya's husband, Larry Millete, was arrested Tuesday and charged with the murder of his wife. On Thursday, he appeared in front of a judge and entered a plea of not guilty on charges of first-degree murder and weapons possession.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said there is no indication that Maya is still alive, and before her disappearance, she contacted a divorce attorney.
Investigators believe that Larry could have killed her that evening after spending months paying for spells to be cast on Maya.
"These spellcasters would be asked to make May want to stay in the relationship," said Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney.
Two days after his arrest, Larry pleaded not guilty on charges of first-degree murder and weapons possession. He spoke when the judge confirmed he waived his rights to a speedy trial.
"Yes, your honor," Larry Millete said in court on Thursday.
On Friday night, community members came with candles and find Maya T-shirts to a vigil at Mount San Miguel Park in Chula Vista.
Joining hand and hand in prayer, many still await answers.
"We're hoping that more will come forward with information that will lead us to her whereabouts," said Norma Toothman, one of Maya's search volunteers.
Continuing the search on Saturday, Maya's family and friends drove out to the Anza Borrego desert.
"Just in the general area...that the Chula Vista Police Department told us that it is about two and half hours...to when he pinpointed his location," said Richard Drouaillet."
Checking trails and using shovels, the group in green T-shirts kept looking. More people came to help this week.
"With the information coming out now, with his arrest, there will be other things that people are going to come forward with," said Chris Derosier, Maya search volunteer.
As the search for Maya continues, Larry Millete is being held without bail while his three children stay with his parents. His bail will be reviewed on Nov. 4.
"This is not the end...we will continue and will hopefully bring my sister back home." Maricris Drouaillet said.
WATCH RELATED: Vigil for missing Chula Vista mother Maya Millete (October 2021)