Bechler was last seen in Newport Beach, California on July 7, 1997. Her disappearance was reported by her husband, Eric Bechler, to have been a boating accident. Police were suspicious from the start about Eric's claims and in 1999 the Newport police were assisted by Eric's then girlfriend in recording incriminating statements made by him about Pegye's alleged murder. Eric Bechler was subsequently arrested for murder on October 30, 1999 and was convicted of the crime. Pegye's remains have yet to be found.