Workers at a grocery store in Iowa were left stunned when they discovered the body of a former employee who had been missing for almost 10 years.
Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada was reported missing by his parents on November 28, 2009, after he ran out of their home in a distressed state.
Authorities’ search efforts were in vain
According to former Council Bluffs Police Capt. Todd Weddum, Murillo-Moncada’s parents mentioned that he had been acting irrationally, possibly due to medication he was taking at the time.
Despite extensive efforts by authorities, including consultations with family members, other law enforcement agencies, detention centers, and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the search for Murillo-Moncada proved unsuccessful.
It was in January 2019 that a shocking discovery was made at the former No Frills Supermarket in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Store worker missing 10 years found trapped behind shelves
A team of workers, tasked with removing shelves and coolers from the building, stumbled upon a body. This body turned out to be that of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada.
During his employment at No Frills Supermarket, it was common for employees to climb on top of the coolers to take unofficial breaks.
Investigators believe Murillo-Moncada climbed into the space after running away from home.
He became trapped when he fell into an 18-inch gap between the cooler and the wall.
The noise from the coolers’ compressors may have masked any attempts he made to call for help, leaving him trapped without escape.
The discovery of Murillo-Moncada’s body brought closure to his parents after nearly a decade of unanswered questions.
His body was identified using his parents’ DNA, and he was found wearing the same clothes he had on when reported missing.
The accident of the store worker was unique in the area.
Sgt. Brandon Danielson of the Council Bluffs Police Department expressed the uniqueness of the case.
In a statement, they claimed that finding people trapped behind walls is not a common occurrence, especially in that area.
The autopsy conducted on Murillo-Moncada’s body revealed no signs of trauma, leading to the conclusion that his death was accidental.
The No Frills Supermarket, where this incident occurred, closed in 2016.
The community and authorities have expressed their condolences to the family of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada.
Authorities hope that they can find solace in finally knowing what happened to their son after all these years.
“The mother had an idea that he has never left ‘No Frills’.
“I don’t know how she came up with that idea, but [his parents] were pretty upset,” Sgt. Brandon Danielson said.
“You don’t hear about these types of cases, people found in walls. Especially in this area. so that would be the odd part of about. We have missing person cases all the time, but this is just unique,” he added.