1/3 HP compressor mechanical failure--due to loose screws?

I had a Tecumseh AEA4440YXA 1/3 HP compressor fail on me the other week. It was the factory compressor in a '96 Continental two-door commercial fridge. Equipment is located in a ventilated, air conditioned kitchen and maintained regularly. I found the compressor freewheeling with no pressure rise across it. Cap tube system so I was pretty sure it didn't slug.

Finally got around to cutting it apart this evening. The cap for the connecting rod was disconnected from the rod. The rod was broken where it forked to meet the crankshaft. The screws were missing.

I'm guessing that the screws holding the cap to the connecting rod came loose for some reason. Anybody else seen this?