I have been writing about this case since shortly after Maya disappeared from her Chula Vista home on January 7, 2021. It remains one of the most heartbreaking cases I have covered. A beautiful young mother, devoted to her three children, who were four, nine, and eleven when she disappeared, is gone. In this case, Maya wanted a divorce, but her husband, Larry, did not want to let her go. When a divorce was imminent, did he kill her? A jury was left to determine that question even though her body has never been found.
Throughout the eight-week trial, many people told me they doubted a jury could convict without a body. I know this to not be true as I have been to a trial where the jury did convict. However, in another case where there was also not a body, the jury hung as two jurors believed the victim was still alive. In this case, after hearing all the evidence, I believed the proof of guilt was overwhelming, but you never know what a jury will decide.
I attended the trial and provided legal analysis and commentary for Fox 5/KUSI almost daily. After closing arguments concluded, the jury deliberated for a little more than an hour before continuing the next day. To avoid missing the verdict, I decided to wait at the courthouse and brought work with me. I arrived at the courthouse around 8:45 that morning. On the drive in, I saw one juror walking toward the courthouse, and as I entered, I noticed another crossing the parking lot. Before long, the jurors were upstairs, and the bailiff escorted them to the deliberation room. I took a seat outside the courtroom and began the verdict watch with other reporters.
An hour later, the jurors began returning to the courtroom area, generating immediate excitement. Was there already a verdict? After just an hour of deliberation? It turned out to be only a break, and the anticipation faded as the bailiff led them back to the deliberation room. At lunch, the bailiff passed by, accompanied by one juror, pushing a cart stacked with Pizza Bella boxes. As we broke for lunch, we wondered how much longer the jury would take.
As it turned out, not long. At 2:27, we were notified that the jury had reached a verdict, Everyone sprang into immediate and frenzied action. News stations already had their cameramen waiting in the parking lot. Fox 5/KUSI alone had two reporters and two cameramen on site. But once word came that a verdict would be soon read, they dispatched another reporter and cameraman. The media presence was no less from the other stations. NBC, CBS, ABC, Dateline, 20/20, Telemundo, City News Service, Courthouse News Service, Noticias San Diego, and others had their teams assembled. The countdown had begun.
Soon, a contingent from the Chula Vista Police Department arrived, including the police chief and uniformed officers. Investigators and others who worked on the case followed. Prosecutor Christy Bowles arrived and was greeted with a hug from one of the officers. Then Larry’s attorneys, Liann Sabatini and Colby Ryan, walked down the court hallway. Sabatini looked pale and upset. Usually friendly, there was no approaching her this day. Then came a heartbreaking sight: Maya’s sister, Maricris, walking with her husband, Richard. Maricris wore a green blazer, green being Maya’s favorite color. She was weeping as Richard supported her. Other family members and close friends soon joined them.
With so many people wanting to hear the verdict, an overflow room had been set up, but I was fortunate to get a seat in the main courtroom. When I entered, Larry was sitting quietly with his attorneys at the defense table. As the moment approached, tension filled the room. Maricris was hunched low, crying, while other family members clasped their hands in prayer. I sat behind Larry’s parents; his father appeared collapsed in his seat. I had talked to him extensively at one hearing and he was adamant in his son’s innocence. The emotion in the courtroom was high.
Then the verdict form was handed to Judge Camarena. The courtroom was deathly silent. He read it without expression before handing it to his clerk to announce it. When she read, “Guilty of first-degree murder,” I looked at Larry but saw no visible reaction. I looked towards Maricris who had nearly collapsed sideways, sobbing, as Richard supported her with his arm around her. Other family members were crying. Larry’s parents remained completely still.
As the jury was led out, everyone stood, and Larry turned toward his parents. He acknowledged them with a tight smile, his eyes a bit red, and raised his eyebrows several times before everyone sat back down so Judge Camarena could address a few remaining matters. Once the proceeding ended, Larry’s attorney, Liann Sabatini leaned over and said, “I’m so sorry.” Larry’s other attorney Colby Ryan, embraced him, speaking quietly into his ear. The moment seemed to last forever. Finally, Larry stood and turned toward his parents and family. He raised his eyebrows again, and this time I believe I saw a tear on his face.
When the courtroom doors opened, cheers, applause, and joyful shouts echoed from the hallway. Others were crying and saying prayers of thanksgiving. From there, the afternoon grew more fevered. Maya’s family was taken into the DA’s waiting room, where they gathered with the prosecutor and members of the prosecution team. Everyone waited for them to emerge, but soon, word spread that a juror was speaking downstairs. Wanting to understand why the jury had reached its decision, I rushed down the stairs. Juror #3 was in the parking lot amongst the media vans and was speaking on camera. She graciously stayed for hours, giving interviews to everyone. Cameras and reporters filled the area, rushing in every which direction to capture the family, the prosecutor, and any jurors willing to speak. The scene was frenzied; at one point, a helicopter circled overhead, jointly hired by the media for coverage. It had the atmosphere of the O.J. trial!
Finally, the family emerged and Maricris spoke before the bank of media cameras and reporters, thanking Christy Bowles and the prosecution team from the bottom of her heart. She said, “Justice, while we have been served today, but we still have my sister out there. We still have the second step to go through. We still have to bring my sister home.” And with her voicing breaking, ended, “To bring her to her three children that’s been waiting for her for five years. We still ask the public for help. Maybe one of these days we can bring her home.” The thought of Maya’s three children waiting for their mother all these years just broke my heart!
Over the past five years, I have gotten to know Maricris and Richard well. I have joined searches and been invited to family events. They are wonderful people with a deep faith in God, and despite everything they have endured, they have never grown bitter. I pray with all my heart that Maya is found this year, so they can give her the burial she so richly deserves, and that everyone who loves her so dearly can find peace. And may her children always feel her eternal love.
About Aleida K. Wahn, Esq.
I am an attorney, award-winning true crime writer, and legal analyst of criminal cases. I cover criminal trials and write stories and books about compelling, gripping, and unforgettable cases that impact our world. I take you into the courtroom in high-profile murder trials, rape cases, crimes of passion, cases involving mental illness, deviant behavior, and more. I have a deep passion for true crime, criminal law, and all aspects of the criminal justice system. I have appeared as an expert on true crime shows, including “48 Hours,” “Snapped,” "Peacock TV's Tik Tok Star Murders," and “The Dead Files,” and provided legal analysis on high-profile criminal trials on Court TV, the Law & Crime Trial Network, Fox 5 News, ABC 10 News, and KUSI News. I also create and host shows with the Del Mar Television Producers Group, addressing criminal justice and social issues in recent criminal trials.
I provided my insight and legal analysis on Court TV and the Law & Crime Trial Network of the high-profile trial of former NFL star Kellen Winslow Jr. It was a trial that captured the nation as the heralded ex-football star with fame, fortune, and a famous name stood accused of multiple rapes and other sex crimes involving five women. As the trial delved into shocking facts, complicated legal issues, and unexpected twists and turns, I was there for every minute. After the trial, I wrote a book on the case, going behind the headlines to share the extraordinary details of what happened inside the courtroom. Judging Winslow Jr.: From NFL Star to Serial Rapist? Inside the Shocking Rape Trial of Kellen Boswell Winslow II is now available on Amazon.
I am passionate about telling true crime stories, as these penetrating stories have the power to move us all, while highlighting societal issues which need to be addressed. I have personally seen the human devastation which is present in each trial and believe there is a lesson to be learned in every single case. It is through awareness and examining critical issues society can effect change and even make new laws. To learn more, please visit: https://www.aleidalaw.com.
Read about the gripping and unforgettable trials that I have covered in my latest books:
