On June 2, 1976, Bolles' car was destroyed by dynamite as it sat in a parking lot in Phoeniz, Arizona. Bolles was killed. The exact motive for the crime remains and mystery, but many believe the Mafia was responsible. Bolles had written stories about organized crime; he had also attacked a powerful businessman named Kemper Marley.
If it was the mob, it would be unusual because the mob scene in Arizona is far smaller than in most US states.