In 2019, ten years after Larry’s sudden disappearance, the tragic truth was finally revealed in a moment that shocked the entire community. The No Frills Supermarket, where Larry had worked, was closed and slated for renovations. Contractors dismantling shelves and refrigeration units made a grim discovery: human remains wedged in an 18-inch space between a freezer and the wall. DNA testing confirmed the worst — it was Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada.
Investigators pieced together a tragic scenario. It is believed Larry returned to the supermarket after fleeing home during the blizzard. Perhaps seeking a quiet place to rest or escape, he climbed atop a large industrial cooler at the back of the store. For reasons that may never be fully understood, he slipped into the narrow gap behind the freezer. Once trapped, there was no way to escape or call for help. The constant hum and vibration of the refrigeration units would have masked any cries for assistance. Authorities concluded that he likely died within hours, and that his death was accidental.
The discovery brought a bitter mixture of closure and renewed grief to the Murillo family. “Our heads are spinning,” said his father, Victor Murillo. “We searched everywhere for him. How could he have been there this whole time?”
Former employees recalled strange odors emanating from the freezer area before the store’s closure, but these warnings were allegedly dismissed. Investigators noted that the combination of the narrow gap, machinery noise, and height of the units made it plausible for Larry to remain unnoticed for so long.
Larry’s death was officially ruled accidental. The decade-long mystery highlighted critical issues about mental health awareness, the importance of workplace safety, and vigilance when it comes to missing-person cases. Psychologists noted that sudden behavioral changes, especially in individuals taking new medications or struggling with anxiety, can lead to unpredictable actions. Early intervention and compassionate support, they stressed, are essential to prevent similar tragedies.
Coworkers remembered Larry as quiet, friendly, and always willing to help. Friends recalled his love for music, his humor, and the warmth he brought to those around him. “He’d sing along to old pop songs on the radio and make everyone laugh,” said a colleague. “That’s how I’ll always remember him — happy, kind, and full of life.”
The story of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada is both heartbreaking and instructive. It reminds communities to pay closer attention, to listen deeply, and to never give up hope in the face of missing-person cases. For the Murillos, there is solace in knowing the truth, even if it comes with unbearable sorrow.
Rest in peace, Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada — gone too soon, but finally found, and forever remembered.
