Judge explains why cameras won’t be recording in court during Millete murder trial

Cameras will not record or broadcast from inside one of the most high-profile murder cases in Chula Vista history, which will see Larry Millete tried for the killing of his wife, May “Maya” Millete.

Maya, a mother of three, disappeared in January 2021 and has not been seen since. Her body has never been found, and prosecutors are relying largely on circumstantial evidence in the case against her husband.

The cameras-in-the-courtroom decision was made Monday by Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Enrique Camarena, who said allowing the video recording could impede Larry’s right to a fair trial and could also prevent the jury from deliberating freely. 

Camarena said with cameras present, jurors could be subjected to harassment and intimidation. He also said he didn’t want the search for truth to turn into a performance.

The judge’s ruling does not prevent reporters from listening to and reporting on testimony; it just means reporters will have to take notes and summarize each day’s testimony.

The murder trial against Larry Millete is set to begin May 11 and last as long as three months. 

In the weeks leading up to the trial, the judge is hearing several motions from attorneys about how to proceed.  Last week, Larry’s defense team filed a motion asking for the prosecution to be excused from the case after alleged misconduct, including conflict of interest and using false testimony.

On Monday, California Attorney Rob Bonta filed a brief in support of the San Diego County District Attorney’s office and. specifically. prosecutor Christy Bowles.  It reads in part: “Defendant’s motion should be denied. He has not met his burden to show that SDDA has a conflict of interest based on alleged prosecutorial misconduct … as there is no conflict, there is no need to recuse DDA Bowles or the entire District Attorney’s office.”

Camarena will hold a hearing on that motion on Thursday.

Monday’s motions included attempts by Millete’s defense team to exclude evidence from the case.  Much of the discussion surrounded social media posts and direct messages between Maya and friends. Some of those messages had allegedly been intercepted by Larry, while others had conflicting messages from Maya.  The judge allowed some to stay in the case. Other items the judge found to be prejudicial were excluded.

If convicted, Larry Millete faces 25 years to life in prison.