Bleyl disappeared while collecting money while working his Phoenix Gazette newspaper route in Phoenix, Arizona at approximately 3:00 p.m. on February 28, 1981. He was riding his bicycle and was last seen in the area of north 9th Avenue and west Myrtle Avenue. He has never been heard from again.

Stephen Michael Wilson was arrested in 1989 and charged with Bleyl's abduction, molestation and murder. He allegedly confessed to three witnesses about his role in Bleyl's case. Wilson, who was openly homosexual, reportedly became enraged and attacked Bleyl after the boy made homophobic remarks to him. Bleyl's bicycle was found a few yards from Wilson's apartment, and neighbors reported seeing the boy near the apartment around the time he vanished, but there were no bloodstains or any other physical evidence to indicate that a crime had been committed.

A jury acquitted Wilson of all charges in 1990. He died of AIDS-related causes in 1994. He maintained his innocence in Bleyl's case until the end. Bleyl has never been located and his disappearance remains unsolved. Foul play is suspected.