Another arrest in the 'missing hams' case

Police arrested a fifth person Friday in the investigation of the murders of a retired Arizona ham radio couple who were reported missing after showing their yacht to prospective buyers in Orange County, California. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant is in Long Beach California with the latest:

Newport Beach police Lieutenant Steve Shulman says that 23 year old Jennifer Deleon was arrested on April 8th outside the county jail where she had been visiting husband Skylar. Skylar Deleon, an electrician apprentice who reportedly had served prison time for burglary was already being held as a suspect in the deaths of Thomas and Jackie Hawks, KD7VWJ and KD7VWK.

Mrs. Deleon is now also being held for investigation of two counts of murder. According to news reports, authorities believe that the couple met with the Hawks to discuss the purchase of the boat shortly before the retirees were killed. There has been no trace of the Hawkes since November of 2004 when they left cellphone messages with friends saying
they were taking the prospective buyers on a test cruise off Newport Beach.

Skylar Deleon and his wife told investigators they bought the Hawks' 55-foot cabin cruiser, the Well Deserved, for more than $400,000 in cash. Skylar Deleon claimed he last saw Thomas and Jackie Hawks as they drove away from the harbor in Newport Beach after the purchase. The car was
found several weeks later in Mexico following an all-out hunt by police in both countries and a border crossing watch involving ham radio volunteers.

The prosecutor declined to provide details about Jennifer Deleon's alleged role in the plot nor have the Hawkes remains been found. Her attorney, Michael Molfetta, said that she intends to plead not guilty.

Bruce Tennant, K6PZW
Amateur Radio Newsline

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