Episode 40: The Tragic Case of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada

In 2009, it is estimated that over 700,000 people were reported missing in the United States alone. The fear, the unknowing, the mental anguish that comes with having a family member, friend or other loved one go missing is unimaginable. This is something we all hope to never experience. But unfortunately for the Murillo-Moncada family, on November 28, 2009, their 25-year-old son, Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada would go missing. While struggling with his mental health and experiencing debilitating symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, Larry ran out of the family home. That day a blizzard had taken over Council Bluffs, Iowa where the family lived. When Larry ran out of their home, he had nothing but a hoodie and a pair of pants on. He had no jacket, no socks and no shoes.  For YEARS, Larry’s family tirelessly searched for him. But where did he go? It wouldn’t be until 10 years later that this family would finally get some answers. 

 

Sources

CNN Wire – July 24, 2019 - Father Wants Answers After Missing Son’s Body Found Behind Store’s Cooler 10 Years Later | KTLA

BBC – July 23, 2019 - Grocery worker found in shop where he worked after 10-year search (bbc.com)

July 23, 2019 – Allyson Chiu - Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada’s body was found behind some coolers at an Iowa supermarket where he worked a decade ago. - The Washington Post

Wikipedia – Death of Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada – Retrieved: January 30, 2025

Disasterthon – Trapped Behind a Freezer The Death of Larry Ely Murillo Moncada – YouTube

The Daily Nonpareil – December 9, 2009 – Bluffs man reported missing – Tim Johnson – Retrieved: January 31, 2025

ABCNEWS – 10 years after he disappeared, Iowa man is found dead at vacant store where he used to work: Police – Emily Shapiro – July 23, 2019 – 10 years after he disappeared, Iowa man is found dead at vacant store where he used to work: Police - ABC News - Retrieved: January 31, 2025

All that’s interesting – The Remains of a Man Missing for a Decade Have Just Been Found Behind a Cooler at His Job – Marco Margaritoff – July 23, 2019 - Remains Of Man Missing For A Decade Found Behind A Cooler At His Job – Retrieved: February 1, 2025