The common plec wouldn't have killed it but would have eaten its body if it died, even though they are vegetarians they find it difficult to get protein in their diets and so don't let oppotunitys for protein miss when they become apparent- but i wouldn't have expected it to take a while for one to chomp through the fish and eat him completely, at least a couple of days.
Check the tank behind filters and heaters, under or hidden amoungst ornements and planted areas. What other fish do you have in the tank?