The case of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada is a haunting reminder of how the most tragic and bizarre events can unfold unnoticed, even in the most familiar places. Murillo-Moncada, who disappeared in 2009, was only 25 years old when he went missing. A decade later, his body was shockingly discovered behind the shelves of the grocery store where he worked, leaving many to wonder how such a tragedy could go unnoticed for so long.

The Disappearance of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada

On a cold day after Thanksgiving, November 27, 2009, Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada abruptly left his parents’ home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, during a blizzard. Barefoot and clearly distressed, he vanished into the night, leaving behind his car keys and other possessions. His parents, deeply concerned about his mental state, reported him missing the following day, sparking a search that would ultimately last for years.

Murillo-Moncada had been experiencing hallucinations, reportedly hearing voices that told him to “eat sugar,” and expressing fear that someone was following him. His mother, through a translator, shared these troubling details with the Council Bluffs Police Department. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, detention centers, and even U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, no trace of Larry was found—until a grim discovery was made nearly ten years later.

Shoppers Recall 'Horrible' Odor in Store Where Missing Worker Was Found Trapped Behind Fridge After 10 Years
Larry was 25 when he was reported missing. (CBS 17)

A Horrific Discovery in the No Frills Supermarket

In January 2019, three years after the No Frills Supermarket in Council Bluffs closed its doors for good, a crew was tasked with dismantling the store’s shelves and coolers. It was during this process that they stumbled upon a horrifying sight: the remains of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada, still clad in the clothes he had been wearing when he disappeared.

Murillo-Moncada’s body was found in an 18-inch gap between the store’s 12-foot-high freezers and the wall behind them. Investigators believe that Larry, in the midst of his mental health crisis, had climbed atop the coolers—an area known among employees as a spot for unofficial breaks—and tragically fell into the narrow space, becoming trapped. The constant noise from the compressors likely drowned out any cries for help, leaving him with no way to escape.

The Lingering Odor A Clue Overlooked for Years

One of the most chilling aspects of this case is the fact that many customers had noticed a foul odor in the store, particularly near the coolers, but no one ever suspected the tragic reality behind it. Shoppers took to social media to share their memories of the unpleasant smell, with one recalling, “I always thought it smelled like something dead.” Another customer mentioned that the odor was so strong it made them sick, prompting them to leave the store and never return.

The staff at No Frills, too, had no answers for the persistent smell. One shopper even inquired with a butcher about whether dried blood from meat cutting might be the cause, only to be told that the area was kept very clean. The true source of the odor, tragically, was Larry’s decomposing body, hidden just out of sight.

Larry’s body was left behind the coolers for a decade. (CBS 17)

Shocking Simulation of the Tragic Incident

Recently, a simulation video detailing what happened to Murillo-Moncada has gone viral online, providing a chilling reenactment of how he became trapped behind the fridge. The video shows how the position he was in, combined with the size of the refrigerator and the loud noise it produced, made it virtually impossible for anyone to see or hear him.

The simulation underscores the eerie reality that Murillo-Moncada’s body was trapped in the store for nearly ten years, seven of which were while the supermarket was still in operation. Customers and employees alike had noticed a foul odor in the store but had no idea that it was the result of a decomposing body hidden behind the shelves. Some customers even took to social media to recount their experiences, with one noting, “I always thought it smelled like something dead,” while another recalled, “The smell was so strong back there by the coolers that it made me sick.”

Safety Precautions and Tips for Handling Similar Situations

The tragic death of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada underscores the importance of safety in the workplace, particularly in environments with hidden or confined spaces. Here are some key precautions and tips to help prevent similar tragedies and to handle such situations if they arise:

  1. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of all areas in a workplace, especially confined or hard-to-reach spaces. This can help identify potential hazards or the presence of something unusual.
  2. Employee Training: Train employees to be aware of the dangers of confined spaces and the importance of reporting any unusual odors or sounds immediately. This includes educating them about the risks of climbing or entering unsafe areas.
  3. Emergency Procedures: Establish clear emergency procedures for situations where an employee might become trapped or injured in a confined space. Ensure that all employees are familiar with these procedures.
  4. Use of Safety Equipment: Equip employees with safety gear, such as harnesses or communication devices, when working in or near confined spaces. This can provide an extra layer of protection in case of an accident.
  5. Reporting and Response: Encourage prompt reporting of any unusual occurrences, such as strange smells or sounds, to management. Ensure that reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
  6. Mental Health Support: Offer support and resources for employees who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Early intervention can prevent situations where an individual might act impulsively or irrationally, as Larry did.
  7. Regular Audits of Closed Facilities: For businesses that close or relocate, it is essential to conduct a thorough audit of the premises before leaving them unattended. This can help ensure that no person or hazardous condition is left behind.

Reflection and Lessons Learned

The discovery of Larry’s body brought a heartbreaking closure to his family, who had spent nearly a decade in agony, not knowing what had happened to their son. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of workplace safety, the need for mental health awareness, and the devastating consequences when these factors are overlooked.

As unusual as this case is, it highlights the critical need for vigilance in both professional and personal settings. Whether you’re an employer responsible for the safety of your workers or a shopper who notices something off in a store, being aware and proactive can make a significant difference.

A Tragic Tale with Important Takeaways

The tragic case of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada is a rare and harrowing example of how a person can disappear and remain unnoticed for years, even in a busy public place. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of safety protocols, mental health support, and the need for careful observation in our everyday environments.

While nothing can undo the tragedy that befell Larry, his story serves as a wake-up call for businesses, employees, and individuals alike. By taking the necessary precautions and remaining vigilant, we can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

In the end, the discovery of Larry’s body, while deeply saddening, offers a lesson in the importance of safety, awareness, and the sometimes-overlooked details that can have profound consequences. Let us all learn from this unfortunate event and strive to create safer, more supportive environments for everyone.