Loved ones and community members gathered during a prayer vigil on Saturday one year after the disappearance of the Chula Vista mother of three, Maya Millete.
At the vigil, a live band played Hawaiian music that echoed through Chula Vista Community park shortly after 4 p.m. to commemorate Maya, who was raised in Hawaii. Loved ones tearfully shared stories and prayers while speaking in front of a large banner describing the missing mother of three. Her whereabouts remain unknown.
Many were seen wearing lime green “Team Maya” T-shirts, and attire that replicates the missing person flyers circulating San Diego County and the media in the past year since Maya was declared missing.
“We are waiting for her homecoming, especially her children,” said Jane Talabanza, Maya’s sister. “We are praying for mountains to be moved, finding Maya, and for justice to be served.”
In October, Maya’s husband, Larry Millete, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a fire weapon. Their three children remain in the custody of their paternal grandparents, Benito and Judith Millete. The Talabanza family has also won court-ordered visits with the children.
Maya's family and friends distributed 40 lime green balloons that represented her age and favorite color. At exactly 5:01 p.m., the balloons were released into the air while a cover of “Only Fools Rush in" 'by Elvis Presley played in the background.
A group of search volunteers has conducted numerous search efforts but recently focused on desert areas east and west of Glamis Sand Dunes, where volunteers flew a drone equipped with ground-penetrating gear.
The Talabanza family thanked the community for continued support throughout the investigation. May's brother, J.R Tabalanza closed the vigil with a prayer.
“Life is a gift. Every day is a gift,” J.R said while citing 2 Corinthians 5:7. “For we live by faith, not by sight. We continue to keep our faith and hope by god. That he will get us through. I encourage you to also find hope and strength in God.”
