Details of Disappearance
Traylor was walking to his grandparents' house with his mother in Phoenix, Arizona on July 27, 1988. His grandparents' residence was located on East Pecan Road, approximately one-half block from Traylor's family's home. Traylor stopped at OK Fish-N-Chips, which was located on 16th Street and Southern Avenue, to purchase a soft drink while his mother continued ahead. He was last seen at approximately 6:00 p.m. outside the stand after purchasing a soda. Traylor has never been heard from again. He was carrying a bag of dirty laundry at the time of his disappearance; Traylor planned to wash the clothes at his grandparents' home.
Authorities said that Traylor's mother's former boyfriend was the only suspect in his disappearance. The man has never been charged in connection with the case due to a lack of evidence. He was one of the four witnesses who saw Traylor at OK Fish-N-Chips the evening of his disappearance. Traylor's aunt said that one of the man's arms was in a sling shortly after Traylor vanished; the individual claimed that the injury resulted from a dog bite.
Investigators stated that the boyfriend was involved with drugs in 1988. Authorities theorized that Traylor confronted the man regarding his lifestyle after seeing him at OK Fish-N-Chips and was murdered shortly thereafter. Investigators received an anonymous letter in 1991 that claimed Traylor was buried on private property near 24th Street and Jones Avenue in Phoenix. A search of the location produced no evidence regarding his case. Authorities believe that Traylor was killed and buried near his last known location. His case remains unsolved.
Traylor's mother died in March 2002, nearly 14 years after her son disappeared.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Phoenix Police Department
602-495-5394
Charley Project