A Summer Evening Turns Tragic

On the sweltering evening of July 27, 1988, 13-year-old Myron Timell Traylor set out with his mother, Debbie, to visit his grandparents in South Phoenix. Their journey was routine, a half-mile walk to East Pecan Road, necessitated by a broken washing machine at home. Myron carried a plastic bag of laundry, intending to wash clothes and call his brother in California from his grandparents' house, as their own home lacked a telephone.

The Last Known Sighting

As they walked, Myron asked to stop for a drink at OK Fish & Chips on 16th Street and Southern Avenue. His mother agreed, telling him to catch up afterward. Inside the restaurant, Myron purchased a wild-cherry soda, quickly drank it, and ordered another. He was last seen around 6:00 p.m., walking away with his second drink in hand, heading toward his grandparents' home.

Immediate Concerns and Search Efforts

When Myron failed to arrive at his grandparents' house, his family initially thought he might have gone directly to vacation Bible school. However, when he didn't return home after the class ended at 9:30 p.m., concern turned to alarm. The family contacted the police, and search efforts commenced, including community volunteers and church members combing the area.

A Promising Young Life

Myron was a well-liked, responsible teenager who had just completed sixth grade at Sierra Vista Elementary. He enjoyed drawing and reading, participated in his church's choir and youth group, and was known for his reliability. His family described him as someone who always informed them of his whereabouts, making his sudden disappearance all the more perplexing. ...Read More