Deleon 'guilty' of ham radio couple's murder

A jury in Orange County, California has convicted Skylar Deleon of the special circumstances murder-for-profit of Thomas and Jackie Hawks, KD7VWJ and KD7VWK in Newport Beach.

Deleon has also been found guilty of the special circumstances murder for financial gain of John Jarvi.

Deleon's attorney Gary Pohlson had conceded to the jury from the outset that Deleon was guilty but should not be put to death.

Pohlson told reporters that he plans to convince the jury to spare his client's life by having Deleon's relatives and doctors testify during the punishment phase about his troubled past.

The penalty phase of the trial will begin on Wednesday, 22nd October at 9am. The District Attorney is seeking the death penalty in this case.