Branson Couple Arrested After Allegedly Living in Walmart Attic for Two Years
A couple has been arrested after authorities say they secretly lived in the attic space of a local Walmart Supercenter for more than two years, completely unnoticed by staff.
According to police, Todd MacAllister, 47, and Jessica Reems, 45, had been residing in a makeshift living area tucked inside the store’s attic—above the garden center and automotive section. The discovery came after an HVAC contractor, responding to a routine maintenance issue, stumbled upon what he described as a “fully lived-in campsite” complete with a mattress, battery-powered lanterns, storage bins full of clothes, and even a working hot plate.
“It looked like they’d been there a long time,” said Sgt. Lane Holloway of the Branson Police Department. “They had shelves organized with food from the store, books, clothes, even a small area where they were growing herbs under LED lights.”
The couple allegedly accessed the attic through an old maintenance hatch in the stockroom that had long been sealed off from regular use. Investigators believe they would sneak down late at night to take food, hygiene products, and supplies, blending in with late-shift employees.
“They were careful,” Holloway added. “They didn’t take much at once. We believe they used fake employee vests and timed their movements around security camera blind spots.”
The couple reportedly kept a journal documenting their experience, with entries referencing “store noise patterns,” restocking schedules, and strategies for avoiding detection. One entry read: “Day 614 – We made it through Black Friday again. The noise was unbearable, but the snacks were worth it.”
Thanks Phil
'Herbs'.
ReplyDeleteYes.
Hank Vandenbergh, my thoughts, exactly.
DeleteAfter all, they did choose Wally World.
ReplyDeleteedutcher, the world is full of strange ones and they all shop Walmart. Hell, look at me.
Deleteblending in with late-shift employees.
ReplyDeleteWhutDaFuq do the employees Look Like? You Did See those pictures, Right?
Yeah right…nothing out of the ordinary.
DeleteJuntin_O_Guy, I don't think there was one sentence in the story that didn't make me laugh. Of course I saw those photos, and laughed some more.
Deletemike, we are talking "Walmart".
DeleteRats, basically.
ReplyDeleteAnon, exactly.
DeleteSecurity camera blind spots ... at WalMart?
ReplyDeleteNo way.
From the moment before you enter the property until you leave the property, other then actually inside a bathroom, you are on camera.
I figured it already. I confirmed it with two managers at two different stores. What started that was I had bought some ammo. You buy the ammo at the sporting goods desk. I paid cash.
Receipt in hand, I then did a bit of shopping. I also had a question for the pharmacist. I left my bag of ammo at the pharmacy.
At home I realized my mistake. But I didn't know exactly where in the store I had left the bag of ammo. Within twenty minutes of me calling the store, the manager saw exactly where my bag was. He did this by reviewing camera footage.
At the store to pick up my ammo, I asked how he knew? How was he able to do it so quickly? I had given him two ways to identify me. One, the make, model, color of my tuck. Two, my physical description. My name was of no help.
He laughed a bit and said he was able to match my truck to the description. From there he watched me walk into the store. Then conduct myself through the store. You are on at least two cameras, usually more than han that, no matter where you go on the property; inside or outside of the store. The one exception is when you actually are inside a bathroom.
The manager was very open with the information. That surprised me. So I asked at a different WalMart. That manager confirmed the same.
Rick, I've heard that many times.
DeleteA year ago or so, a woman was found living on top of a WalMart. In Phoenix, I think. A small enclosure had been built just behind the store front facade.
ReplyDeleteShe walked across the roof to a ladder at the back. She'd climb down the ladder and enter the store through a back door.
Her little shack was pretty comfortable. She had run an extension cord from a light receptacle. Coffee maker, hot plate, even some hanging plants.
She was found out when a delivery driver saw this unwashed and unkept woman on the ladder.
Police were called. She scampered back up the ladder and wouldn't come down. It was a stalemate. Psych workers accompanied the police up the ladder and tried to get her to come out of her shamble. Kicking and screaming, she was led away.
These people are all around us. Even in small towns. They're easy to spot when you know what to look for. Maybe they're clever, but stay away from them.
Rick, W I D E berth.
DeleteI believe that was in Pendleton. But I might be mistaken.
DeleteUnclezip, I googled Pendleton Walmart and went back three pages and nothing.
DeleteBranson Missouri, or ...
ReplyDeleteAnon, Yup Branson, MO. Google Maps says there's only one.
DeleteThe hardest part was listening to "Feels So Good" playing over and over.
ReplyDeleteMike, LOL!
DeleteAlong with cockroaches those folks will survive nuclear war as am sure they stock up on twinkies and they also will survive nuclear war.I will say they did that for two years in a way is cool as hell.
ReplyDeleteJames, you forgot the other nuclear proof food group, Peeps.
DeleteI'm going to check my attic.
ReplyDeleteAnon, Truly LOL! You win comment of the week.
Deletewhich is Todd and which is Jessica?
ReplyDeleteThe ugly ones Todd
DeletegreggBC, Todd is surprised and Jessica is used to it.
DeleteAnon, yes.
Delete