Skylar Deleon Faces Possible Death Sentence For Murders of Jackie and Tom Hawks Update 10-21-08

It does not seem like much of a defense. But maybe California is different then the Midwest.
Gary Pohlson, the attorney for Skylar Deleon, a former child actor, said his client is guilty of three murders but should not be put to death. Wow. Skylar is accused of throwing Jackie and Tom Hawks off their yacht bound to an anchor. Their yacht, was called the "Well Deserved" but I doubt that figures into the defense strategy.

Pohlson's 15-minute opening statement apparently was designed to prevent the death penalty. But saying, "Skylar is guilty of all three murders" may still be controversial. A concession is not necessarily a guilty plea; however, it may be a distinction without a difference. Pohlson said his client should not face the death penalty because others involved will have different outcomes of their cases. He urged life in prison.

Deleon is accused of killing Tom and Jackie Hawks in 2004 to steal their yacht. He also allegedly killed another man from whom he stole thousands in 2003. Skylar has pleaded not guilty to murder and murder for financial gain. The fall from fame may not have been so far as Skylar imagined. Deleon, 29, allegedly boasted that he was a star on the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." However, the best Legal Pub can discover is that he apparently only appeared in one episode. Apparently, Deleon and his former wife, Jennifer Henderson, had a great deal of debt and a bank account containing only $2,619 on the day of the cruise. Orange County prosecutor Matt Murphy told jurors the couple took a cruise showing off their yacht to a possible buyer. According to the prosecution, the couple ended up "begging for their lives." Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Henderson was convicted in 2006 of murder for financial gain for her role in the deaths. She is serving two terms of life in prison without parole. Three other men have pleaded not guilty to murder and murder for financial gain and will be tried at a later date.

Deleon also allegedly murdered a man he met in a work furlough program in 2003. Murphy said Deleon got $50,000 from John Jarvi, then drove to Mexico where he slashed Jarvi's throat and dumped his body. Not a favorable fact scenario. While Deleon and the others are presumed innocent until proven guilty, after the opening statements, that presumption as to Deleon may not last for much longer.
Update 10-21-08: Surprise. Surprise. An Orange County California jury has convicted Skylar Deleon of murdering three people, including Mr. and Mrs. Hawks. Deleon was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder and special circumstances for financial gain and multiple victims. Deleon could be sentenced to death.