Overview of Dateline True Crime Weekly
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly covered three major true-crime updates: the jury’s deliberations in the Maya Millete murder trial in California, new murder charges tied to a Pennsylvania family and the cult-like Zizians group, and a consumer warning segment on AI-driven scams spreading across social media. The roundup also touched on the Karen Read civil case, the Lynette Hooker disappearance in the Bahamas, and another delay in the Barry Morphew murder trial.
Verdict Watch: The Maya Millete Murder Trial
NBC7 investigative reporter Alexis Rivas joined to break down the final stage of the trial of Navy optician Larry Millete, who is accused of murdering his wife, Maya Millete, in San Diego County.
What the prosecution argued
- Prosecutors spent seven weeks presenting testimony from 66 witnesses.
- Their theory: Larry Millete was consumed by Maya’s desire to end the marriage and murdered her, then disposed of her body, which has never been found.
- They emphasized:
- Maya’s fear of Larry, including journal entries and therapy notes
- Evidence of coercive control
- Claims that Larry sought out “spellcasters” or people to help influence or harm Maya
- The idea that the jury does not need a body or full physical evidence to convict
What the defense argued
- The defense called only three witnesses.
- Two canine officers testified that dogs did not detect Maya’s body inside the home.
- A private investigator proposed an alternative theory: Maya may have left through a fence, drainage ditch, and hiking trail route without being seen by surveillance cameras.
- The defense leaned heavily on the lack of physical evidence and argued the case was built on assumptions.
Key courtroom developments
- Larry Millete did not testify, despite earlier public comments suggesting he might want to tell his side.
- The judge included a wide range of charges on the verdict form:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Closing arguments were emotional, with Maya’s family and supporters wearing green, her favorite color.
Main takeaway
The case now rests with the jury, and the biggest question is whether prosecutors convinced jurors beyond a reasonable doubt despite the absence of a body and direct physical proof.
Pennsylvania Murder Case Linked to the Zizians
NBC News investigative reporter Rich Shapiro discussed the new murder charges against Michelle Zajko in the 2022 killing of her parents, Rita and Richard Zajko, in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania.
What prosecutors say
- The couple was shot in their bedroom around New Year’s Eve 2022.
- Michelle Zajko, their daughter, was charged three years later.
- Investigators say:
- She owned a 9mm gun matching the murder weapon type
- Ammunition linked to her matched shell casings at the scene
- Surveillance footage may show two people arriving at the home
- A note on her phone allegedly referenced ways they “effed up the murder”
Why the Zizians matter
- Prosecutors raised Michelle’s ties to the Zizians, a cult-like, AI-obsessed, vegan offshoot led by Jack “Ziz” Lasota.
- The group has been connected to multiple violent incidents:
- A Vermont shootout involving Border Patrol, where an agent was killed
- A California case involving an elderly landlord who was allegedly attacked with a samurai sword and later killed
- Prosecutors have not said the Zizians directly ordered the Zajko murders, but they believe Michelle may not have acted alone.
Current status
- Michelle Zajko is being held in Maryland on unrelated trespassing and weapons charges.
- She has not yet been arraigned on the Pennsylvania murder charges.
- Investigators are still trying to identify the second person believed to have entered the home.
Dateline Roundup
Karen Read civil lawsuit: emergency hearing
- A Massachusetts judge held an emergency hearing in the wrongful death suit filed by the family of John O’Keefe against Karen Read.
- The judge said sensitive medical information was leaked from sealed filings and posted on social media.
- Attorneys denied involvement, but the judge warned them against trying to influence the case outside court.
Lynette Hooker disappearance: Coast Guard video released
- The U.S. Coast Guard released dramatic video showing the seizure of the sailboat Soulmate in the Florida waters.
- The boat belonged to the husband of missing Michigan woman Lynette Hooker, who vanished in the Bahamas.
- Two men aboard the boat told authorities they were hired to move it back to Florida.
- The Coast Guard’s search in the Bahamas has ended, but the investigation continues.
Barry Morphew trial delayed again
- The Colorado murder trial of Barry Morphew, accused of killing his wife Suzanne Morphew, has been postponed.
- Defense lawyers said they were still working through a large amount of discovery, including more than 40 hours of video.
- The new trial date is July 19, 2027.
AI Scams on Social Media
NBC News consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen explained how AI is making online scams more convincing and harder to catch.
The warning story
- Luxury watch dealer Tyler McCorskey was arrested because a buyer believed he had been scammed on Facebook.
- Investigators later discovered scammers had created fake accounts using Tyler’s name, photos, and videos.
- Tyler had actually been a victim of identity theft and impersonation.
Why the problem is growing
- AI can now:
- Clone voices
- Create fake customer chats
- Generate convincing videos and profiles
- Social commerce is a major scam target because people buy quickly and trust what they see online.
How to protect yourself
- Slow down and verify the seller before sending money
- Don’t trust urgency or “limited time” pressure
- Look for official, verified accounts
- Avoid clicking links sent in messages
- Search the company name plus “scam”
- For expensive purchases, ask for live verification, such as a video call
Bottom line
Seeing is no longer believing—especially online.
Key Takeaways
- The Maya Millete case is now in the jury’s hands, with the defense relying on reasonable doubt and no-body uncertainty.
- Prosecutors in Pennsylvania believe Michelle Zajko may have helped kill her parents and may have ties to the Zizians, a group now connected to several violent cases.
- The roundup showed how courtroom cases are being affected by leaks, delays, and new evidence.
- AI is giving scammers powerful new tools, making skepticism and verification essential before buying or sending money online.