CHULA VISTA, Calif. — The murder trial date for the husband of missing Chula Vista mother, Maya Millete, has been moved again.
The trial is now set to begin on January 6, 2025, almost four years to the day that Maya went missing.
During a hearing Tuesday in Chula Vista court, defense attorney Colby Ryan told the judge his co-counsel, Liann Sabatini, was out of town because of a death in the family.
“There's some things going on in the background specifically to Ms Sabatini. There's a sudden family loss, actually two losses in the past month, that we've been kind of dealing with. So, given that we are going to need some additional time. But I do believe the court is ready to set a trial date,” Ryan said.
This is the fifth time a trial date has been set for Millete, 42, who is accused of murdering his wife on January 7, 2021. Her body has not been found despite multiple searches by family members and supporters.
The couple's three children are still living with their paternal grandparents in the family's home in Chula Vista, as a guardianship case continues in probate court.
Judge Enrique Camarena set the new trial date for one day before the four-year anniversary of Maya going missing.
“I’m picking a trial date only because I think by January 6, I think Ms. Sabatini and Mr. Ryan will have had the case I think close to a year and I think that's sufficient time to prepare,” Judge Camarena said.
Millete hired new attorneys in October of 2023, which delayed his trial until August of 2024. The judge’s new date of January 6, 2025 means the defense team will have four additional months to get ready.
Millete faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. His next court appearance is set for August 5 in Chula Vista.
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