Jackie Hawks, age 47, and her husband Tom Hawks were last seen on November 14, 2004, in Newport Beach, California. The couple, both retired and living on their yacht named "Well Deserved," had decided to sell their boat to spend more time with their grandchildren in Arizona. They were approached by a prospective buyer, Skylar Deleon, who claimed to be interested in purchasing the yacht. The couple agreed to take him and two accomplices on a sea trial as part of the sale process. It was during this trip that Jackie and Tom were overpowered, forced to sign over ownership of their yacht, and ultimately murdered.
Deleon and his accomplices tied Jackie and Tom to an anchor and threw them overboard into the Pacific Ocean, where they drowned. Their bodies were never recovered. The case garnered significant media attention due to the brutality of the crime and the Hawks' status as a well-liked couple within their community.
Skylar Deleon and his accomplices were eventually arrested and convicted. Deleon was sentenced to death, and others involved in the crime received lengthy prison sentences. The Hawks' tragic disappearance and murder remain a stark reminder of the dangers of trusting the wrong people, even in what seems like routine business transactions.
Last Seen: Nov 14, 2004
