Could a child actor from a beloved children's television show transform into a cold-blooded killer, facing the ultimate penalty? The chilling narrative of Skylar Deleon, formerly known as John Julius Jacobson Jr., weaves a disturbing tale of shattered dreams, calculated cruelty, and a final, desperate act of transformation within the confines of death row.
The name Skylar Deleon may not immediately resonate with the masses, but for those who grew up in the 1990s, the mention of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" evokes a sense of nostalgia. The bright colors, the corny fight scenes, and the catchy theme song were staples of children's programming. However, the story of Skylar Deleon presents a stark contrast to the heroic narratives of the Power Rangers. Deleon, a former child actor with a minor role in the series, would eventually become infamous for a crime far removed from the world of spandex-clad superheroes.
| Full Name: | John Julius Jacobson Jr. (formerly) / Skylar Deleon |
| Date of Birth: | August 12, 1979 |
| Place of Birth: | Sun Valley, California, USA |
| Known For: | Minor role in "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers", Convicted murderer |
| Marital Status: | Divorced from Jennifer Henderson |
| Children: | 2 with Jennifer Henderson |
| Military Service: | United States Marine Corps (deserted after 15 days) |
| Crimes: | Murder for financial gain, kidnapping |
| Victims: | Thomas and Jackie Hawks, and a third individual |
| Sentence: | Death penalty |
| Current Status: | Awaiting execution on death row in California |
| Gender: | Officially changed to female in 2019 |
| Claimed "Power Rangers" Appearance: | Episode "Second Chance" (1994) |
| Additional Information: | Changed his name and gender multiple times in prison. |
| Reference: | Wikipedia: Skylar Deleon |
Deleon's journey began like that of many aspiring actors in Hollywood. Born in Sun Valley, California, on August 12, 1979, he started his acting career early. He appeared in commercials and had a small, uncredited role as an extra in the popular children's television show, "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." While the role was minor, it provided him with a taste of the entertainment industry. Those who worked with Deleon remember a young person with some promise. The life of a child actor can be taxing and uncertain and one can only wonder what role this early experience played in the events that followed.
As Deleon matured, his life took a series of unexpected turns. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, but his military career was short-lived. After just 15 days, he deserted, marking a significant departure from the structured life of the military. This early experience of abandoning responsibility may have been a precursor to the choices he would make in the future.
The transition from child actor to alleged murderer is a jarring one. The turning point in Deleons life came in 2004. His involvement in the deaths of Thomas and Jackie Hawks, a retired couple, and the murder of a man, thrust him into the harsh spotlight of the legal system. The Hawks, who were in their late fifties, had put their yacht, "Well Deserved," up for sale. They were looking forward to retirement, and their lives were about to take a turn for the worse.
Deleon, along with his wife, Jennifer Henderson (later Jennifer Deleon), posed as potential buyers. Their intent, however, was far more sinister. On November 15, 2004, the Hawks took Deleon and his accomplices out on a sea trial. During the trial, the couple was forced to sign over the ownership of their yacht. They were then bound, gagged, and thrown overboard, to their deaths. Their bodies were never recovered, but the evidence, including the boat itself, pointed directly to Deleon and his accomplices. The motive, as determined by the prosecution, was financial gain.
The case was not a simple one; it was a complex web of deceit, manipulation, and brutality. Deleon, along with his wife and two other accomplices, Alonso Machain and John Fitzgerald Kennedy (no relation to the Kennedy family), were arrested and charged with the murders. Machain was 19 at the time and had experience as a California Correctional Officer, but was looking for an opportunity that offered a fast track to wealth. The trial captivated the public, drawing attention to the dark side of human nature and the chilling transformation of a former child actor. In April 2009, all four were found guilty.
The details of the crime are difficult to digest. The Hawks, who had lived a life of honest work and family, were targeted for their wealth and their boat. The brutality of the crime was shocking and left many people reeling. It was revealed that Jennifer Deleon was pregnant with their second child at the time, further complicating the story. The details of the plot were so meticulously laid out, it was hard to believe that this former child actor was the mastermind behind this horrific crime.
During the trial, the prosecution painted a picture of a calculating individual driven by greed and a desire for a life he couldnt afford. Deleon, the former Power Rangers extra, was now the alleged architect of a double homicide. The media was quick to seize on the story, with headlines proclaiming the fall of a child star. However, it was reported in some news sources that Deleon had been one of the titular Power Rangers, but in reality, he played an extra with no speaking lines.
Following his conviction, Deleon was sentenced to death. While awaiting his execution, he made several attempts to change his identity, and in 2019, his gender was officially changed to female. These acts, within the confines of death row, reflect the complex nature of the individual. The fact that Deleon claimed to have never felt evil demonstrates the mental state of someone who can commit heinous acts without feeling guilt or remorse.
The case of Skylar Deleon, formerly John Julius Jacobson Jr., is a cautionary tale. It serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that the path from innocence to depravity can be a short and treacherous one. It highlights the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of greed and violence. This case will be one of the most fascinating true crime stories in the history books, the story of a child star who traded in his childhood fame for a life of crime and met a grim end.
The story of Skylar Deleon, although it is more than two decades that the case was resolved, has resurfaced on social media due to a misunderstanding, but also because of the terrible crime he committed and for which he was accused of triple murder.
