Judge Considered Delay in Millete Sentencing

The defense requested a continuance to prepare for an appeal following Larry Millete's first-degree murder conviction.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes

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Judge Enrique Camarena heard defense arguments in San Diego on Tuesday regarding a requested delay in the sentencing of Larry Millete. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Larry Millete appeared in a San Diego courtroom today as a judge considered a defense request to delay his scheduled sentencing. Millete was convicted of first-degree murder in July, though the body of his wife, Maya Millete, remains missing.

Why it matters

The defense team filed the motion for a continuance two weeks ago, citing a need for additional time to prepare for an appeal of the conviction. This legal maneuver aims to pause proceedings for the high-profile case.

The hearing for the continuance request took place at 1:30 p.m. in a San Diego court. The proceedings follow Millete's July conviction and a separate guilty plea regarding the possession of an unregistered assault weapon.

The players

Larry Millete

He is the defendant who was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife.

Maya Millete

She is the wife of the defendant whose body has not been recovered.

Enrique Camarena

He is the judge presiding over the criminal proceedings in San Diego.

The details

Larry Millete appeared before Judge Enrique Camarena to address the motion to postpone the sentencing hearing. In addition to the murder conviction, the defendant previously waived his right to a jury trial for a separate weapons charge.

Timeline

  1. July 2026: Larry Millete was found guilty of first-degree murder.

  2. September 15, 2026: The defense team filed a continuance request.

  3. September 29, 2026: The defendant appeared in court for the scheduled sentencing.

Legal Context

The motion reflects standard defense procedures in California criminal law where counsel seeks to ensure all appellate arguments are exhausted before final judgment. This process occurs within a broader legal environment where post-conviction appeals are common in complex murder trials.

Residents in the San Diego area may see continued media presence and public discussion surrounding the courthouse as the case moves toward final resolution. The legal status of the defendant remains a matter of significant local interest for the community.

The takeaway

Criminal sentencing procedures often involve complex delays as defense teams exercise their right to prepare exhaustive appeals. Understanding these procedural motions provides insight into how courts balance judicial efficiency with the rights of the accused.

Further reading

For more information on legal developments in the region, visit the San Diego section.