Missing Man Found 10 Years Later Behind Supermarket Shelves
A decade-old missing persons case was finally resolved in a shocking and tragic way. The body of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada, who vanished in 2009, was discovered behind shelves at the supermarket where he once worked in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
The Disappearance
Murillo-Moncada, 25, was reported missing by his parents on November 28, 2009, after he ran away from home during a bout of erratic behavior. His family believed his actions may have been influenced by medication he was taking.
No Leads for Years
Despite extensive searches by law enforcement, Murillo-Moncada remained missing. For years, his family had no answers—until an unexpected discovery in 2019.
A Startling Find
In January 2019, employees dismantling shelves at the now-closed No Frills Supermarket made a grim discovery: human remains lodged behind a cooler.
A Tragic Accident
Authorities identified the body as Murillo-Moncada’s. Investigators believe he climbed onto the coolers—common among employees—and accidentally fell into an 18-inch gap between the unit and the wall. The noise from the compressors likely muffled any cries for help.
DNA Confirmation
The body was identified using DNA from Murillo-Moncada’s parents. He was still wearing the same clothes from the day he disappeared.
A Mother’s Intuition
Murillo-Moncada’s mother had long suspected he never left the store. The discovery, while heartbreaking, provided long-awaited closure.
Ruled Accidental
No signs of trauma were found, and the death was deemed accidental—an incredibly rare and tragic case that stunned even seasoned investigators.
