On the coast of California, in November 2004, retired couple Tom and Jackie Hawks thought they were closing a new chapter, selling their yacht and preparing for a quieter life. Instead, they were lured into a meticulously planned trap.<br /><br />What began as a routine boat sale quickly spiraled into one of the most disturbing maritime murders in true crime history.<br /><br />In this episode, I broke down the calculated scheme that led to their disappearance, the shocking method used to silence them, and the investigation that unraveled a cold and calculated plot driven by greed. From false identities to a horrifying final act at sea, this case is a chilling reminder of how quickly trust can turn deadly.<br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Connect with us on Social Media!<br />You can find us at:<br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bookofthedeadpod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@bookofthedeadpod</a><br />X: <a href="https://twitter.com/Bkofthedeadpod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@bkofthedeadpod</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550490186243" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Book of the Dead Podcast</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookofthedeadpod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookofthedeadpod</a><br />Or visit our website at <a href="http://botdpod.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.botdpod.com</a></b><br /><b></b><br /><b></b><br /><b>Featuring a promo for Box in the Basement</b><br />Box in the Basement" is a compelling new podcast created by Arlene, a woman whose life was forever changed by a family tragedy. The unsolved murder of her Uncle Leon Laurales serves as the catalyst for this investigative series. Disturbed by the lackluster investigation and the mystery that still surrounds his case, Arlene dives deep into the details of her uncle's story, uncovering the many problems that plagued the investigation. Her journey doesn't stop there, as she expands her focus to other unsolved cases in Central Texas. Each episode of "Box in the Basement" promises to shed light on the overlooked and forgotten mysteries in her local community, hoping to find answers and justice for those who have been silenced.<br /><br /><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7fmMxlzFZWg89bZ3o267fx?si=52187a11554840ac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Listen here</a><br /><br />Center, D. P. I. (2026, January 15). Twenty years since last execution: California remains under execution moratorium as advocates push for mass clemency grant. <i>Death Penalty Information Center</i>. https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/twenty-years-since-last-execution-california-remains-under-execution-moratorium-as-advocates-push-for-mass-clemency-grantCup of Coffee and Crime. (2026, April 16). <i>The Murder of Tom and Jackie Hawks: Sold a yacht, then vanished at sea</i>. Medium. https://medium.com/@coffeecrimeandcosmetics/the-murder-of-tom-and-jackie-hawks-sold-a-yacht-then-vanished-at-sea-a08ea086b637Dirmann. (2009, March 5). Murder. Just because. <i>Orange Coast Magazine</i>. https://orangecoast.com/news/murder-just-becauseDziemianowicz, J. (2024, January 2). Tom and Jackie Hawks Killed in Yacht Murder By “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” Actor and His Wife. <i>Oxygen Official Site</i>. https://www.oxygen.com/the-real-murders-of-orange-county/crime-news/skylar-deleon-kills-tom-jackie-hawks-in-yacht-murderFera, L. L. (2022a, November 29). <i>HARDCORE GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR MURDER-FOR-PROFIT KILLING OF COUPLE ON THEIR NEWPORT BEACH YACHT</i>. Orange County District Attorney. https://orangecountyda.org/press/hardcore-gang-member-sentenced-to-death-for-murder-for-profit-killing-of-couple-on-their-newport-beach-yacht/Fera, L. L. (2022b, December 6). <i>BACKGROUND ON THE THREE CRIMINAL CASES INVOLVING SKYLAR DELEON</i>. Orange County District Attorney. https://orangecountyda.org/press/background-on-the-three-criminal-cases-involving-skylar-deleon/Gottlieb, J. (2019, March 2). What happened to Tom and Jackie Hawks? - Los Angeles Times. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-may-23-me-yacht23-story.htmlHanley, B. C. (n.d.). <i>“He did it. I know he did it,” man says of son - Los Angeles Times</i>. https://web.archive.org/web/20081010005928/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-deleonold1,0,6683554.storyLea, J. (2021, July 16). After the murder of their loved ones, the O’Neill and Hawks families reflect. <i>News-Herald</i>. https://www.news-herald.com/2009/08/09/after-the-murder-of-their-loved-ones-the-oneill-and-hawks-families-reflect/O. (2024, May 22). From Power Rangers Star to Cold-Blooded Killer | True Crime. <i>Medium</i>. https://medium.com/@mromysteries/from-power-rangers-star-to-cold-blooded-killer-true-crime-30f9679d550a<i>People v. Henderson, No. G039432 (Cal. Ct. App. Jul. 17, 2009)</i>. (n.d.).Perkinson, J. (2023, November 11). <i>Skylar Deleon: From Power Rangers to Heartless Assassin</i>. True Crime Time. https://truecrimetime.com/skylar-deleon/Register, O. C., &amp; Welborn, L. (2008, October 5). <i>Victim: Jon Peter “JP” Jarvi</i>. Orange County Register. https://www.ocregister.com/2008/10/05/victim-jon-peter-jp-jarvi/Richards, T. (n.d.). <i>The new owners — the gruesome yacht murder case of Thomas and Jackie Hawks — Crime Library</i>. https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/celebrity/hawkes_deleon/6.htmlSerna, J. (2018, December 20). Main witness testifies in court - Los Angeles Times. <i>Daily Pilot</i>. https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-xpm-2008-10-08-dpt-deleon10092008-story.html<i>Welcome to the Orange County DA Office - Press Releases/Media advisories</i>. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20090210084528/http://www.orangecountyda.com/home/index.asp?page=8&amp;recordid=387Yang, A., &amp; Paparella, A. (2020, January 18). <i>A receipt from Target, a stolen car in Mexico and a third unsolved murder: Investigation into yacht murder of California couple</i>. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/US/receipt-target-stolen-car-mexico-unsolved-murder-investigation/story?id=68204176<br /><br />If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! <br />If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at [email protected] with Case Suggestion in the subject line.<br /><br />Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.