Skylar Deleon is one of the most infamous names connected to California’s true crime history. Once claiming to be a child actor, Deleon is better known for a chilling case that shocked the nation—the murders of Thomas and Jackie Hawks in 2004. What began as a plan to steal a yacht turned into one of the most disturbing crimes in Orange County.
You’ll notice how stories around Deleon often blur the lines between fact and speculation. Many people still recall the headlines about a “Power Rangers actor turned killer,” but verified records show the reality was much smaller. The gripping part is how someone with such limited acting exposure ended up at the center of one of the most brutal murder cases in California.
In this biography, we’ll walk through Deleon’s early life, career claims, crimes, trial, and eventual fate. We’ll also explore lesser-known details, interesting facts, and how this case continues to leave a mark on crime reporting.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Skylar Preciosa Deleon |
| Birth Name | John Julius Jacobson Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Sun Valley, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (reported) |
| Religion | Not publicly documented |
| Education | Briefly enlisted in U.S. Marines, no higher education records |
| Occupation | Former child actor (minor roles, extras), later convicted criminal |
| Spouse | Jennifer Henderson (Jennifer Deleon, convicted as accomplice) |
| Known For | Conviction in the 2003–2004 murders of Jon Jarvi and Thomas & Jackie Hawks |
| Sentence | Death penalty (California Death Row) |
| Net Worth | None / Financial struggles before conviction |
| Notable Facts | Legally changed name and gender in 2019 while in prison |
| Current Status | Alive, incarcerated on California’s death row |
Early Life and Education
Full name
Skylar Preciosa Deleon (current legal name after gender transition).
Real name
Born as John Julius Jacobson Jr., sometimes reported as John Jacobson Jr.
Date of birth
August 12, 1979, in Sun Valley, California, United States.
Childhood
Deleon grew up in Southern California. Reports describe a troubled childhood marked by instability and strained family ties.
Family background
Skylar’s father had a criminal past, including drug convictions. The family environment has often been cited as chaotic.
School/university
There are no reliable records of higher education. Deleon briefly enlisted in the U.S. Marines but did not complete service.
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Career Journey
Before Fame
As a child, Deleon claimed to have worked in small television roles.
Early career
IMDb lists minor credits for Deleon, though many were uncredited extras. This has often been misrepresented as major acting success.
Breakthrough
Unlike traditional entertainment careers, there was no breakthrough. Media attention later exaggerated these claims.
Peak years
Deleon’s public notoriety came not from acting but from the 2004 yacht murders.
Physical Appearance
Age
As of 2025, Skylar Deleon is 46 years old.
Height
Reliable records of height are not publicly available.
Weight
No verified information is available.
Body measurement
Not publicly documented.
Physical attributes
Known primarily through courtroom appearances, not as a public celebrity.
Major Achievements
Records
Infamous for being sentenced to death in California for multiple murders.
Notable
- Listed in IMDb for small acting roles.
- Central figure in one of California’s most notorious murder trials.
Contributions
While not positive, Deleon’s case has contributed to crime studies, documentaries, and news reports on criminal psychology and financial-motive murders.
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Personal Life
Nationality
American.
Ethnicity
Reportedly of Caucasian background, though detailed records are not confirmed.
Religion
Not documented in reliable public sources.
Relationships
Married to Jennifer Henderson (Jennifer Deleon) at the time of the crimes. The court also convicted her and sentenced her to life without parole.
Net worth
At the time of arrest, Deleon had no significant net worth. Reports show financial struggles motivated the crimes.
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Interesting Facts
- Bodies of Thomas and Jackie Hawks were never recovered.
- Deleon was convicted of another murder—Jon Jarvi in 2003.
- The case was featured on ABC’s 20/20 and CBS’s 48 Hours.
- Prosecutors alleged money for gender transition surgery was part of the motive.
- Deleon legally changed name and gender in 2019 while on death row.
- Deleon’s then-wife and multiple accomplices took part in the crime.
- California records still list Deleon on the death row roster.
Legacy or Influence
The story of Skylar Deleon continues to impact true crime media and criminal law studies. It highlights how financial desperation and manipulation can lead to horrific crimes. Documentaries, podcasts, and TV programs often use the case as an example of premeditated murder for financial gain.
FAQs
Was Skylar Deleon really a Power Rangers actor?
No. Deleon had small roles and extra appearances.
What happened to the yacht of Thomas and Jackie Hawks?
Authorities recovered the yacht, but they never found the couple’s bodies.
Is Skylar Deleon still alive?
Yes. As of 2025, Deleon remains on California’s death row.
What was Skylar Deleon’s motive?
Prosecutors said the motive was financial gain—stealing the Hawkses’ yacht and assets.
Did Skylar Deleon act alone?
Deleon’s then-wife and other accomplices also faced conviction.
Conclusion
Skylar Deleon’s biography is a chilling reminder of how greed and deception can end in tragedy. From a troubled childhood to a false image of Hollywood fame, Deleon’s path led to one of the darkest crimes in California.
Even today, the case stands as a stark warning. It’s studied in law, featured in documentaries, and remembered by true crime followers. What began with the promise of a yacht ended in the death penalty.
Read more about Skylar Deleon on IMDb Profile
