DNA evidence sought in missing hams case

Another development in the probe surrounding the disappearance of an Arizona ham radio couple.

Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has the latest:

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who is one of four suspects in the
disappearance and possible murder of a missing ham radio couple has given a DNA sample to authorities.
This, following an order issued on Friday, March 18th by Orange County California Superior Court Judge Craig Robison that he do so immediately.

According to his attorney, Winston McKesson, authorities have not disclosed why they sought the DNA from the Long Beach man. Kennedy was arrested on March 10th for investigation of the murders of Tom and Jackie Hawkes, KD7VWJ and KD7VWK of Prescott, Arizona. He has not
entered a plea but his attorney said he intends to plead not guilty.

Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy said that it was too soon to disclose details about Kennedy's alleged role in the Hawks' disappearance but court records show that he served time in prison on a previous conviction for attempted murder in Los Angeles County.

As reported, prosecutors have so far charged three men with murdering the couple in a scheme to steal the boat, their identities and other financial assets. Myron S. Gardner, Alonso Machain, and Skylar Deleon have been charged with two counts each of murder with special circumstances.

The district attorney has not announced whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty but an announcement is expected as the matter progresses through the courts. Authorities have also stated that more arrests are expected on this case.

There has been no trace of the Hawkes since November of 2004 when the couple told friends they were taking the prospective buyers on a test cruise off Newport Beach.
Their car was recovered in December about 70 miles south of the border in Mexico.

Amateur Radio Newsline.
(Published news reports, NBPD)

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