Skylar Preciosa Deleon was born John Julius Jacobson Jr. on August 12, 1979, in Sun Valley, California. Skylar grew up in a difficult environment, facing challenges during childhood. Skylar's family circumstances were unstable, which affected personal development. At a young age, Skylar showed an interest in acting and appeared in various commercials. One notable appearance was as an extra in the popular television series "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers."

As a teenager, Deleon faced issues related to identity and acceptance. Skylar struggled with feelings of gender dysphoria. At age 20, Skylar joined the United States Marine Corps but only remained for a short time. Skylar deserted the service after just 15 days and received an other than honorable discharge.

On November 15, 2004, Thomas and Jackie Hawks were last seen leaving Newport Harbor in their yacht, the Well Deserved. They had decided to sell their boat, and their advertisement drew interest from Skylar Deleon. After some initial caution, the Hawks became more comfortable when Deleon's pregnant wife and child joined the meeting.

After the appointment, the couple went missing. Their yacht returned, but they did not. An investigation began into their disappearance when attempts were made to access their bank account from Mexico. Skylar Deleon was interviewed by the police, who were skeptical of the story that Deleon provided. Deleon claimed to have bought the boat from the Hawks and stated they had left the meeting with the purchase money.

In March 2005, Alonso Machain, a witness brought in by Deleon, confessed to the crime after fleeing to Mexico. He was arrested along with Deleon and Deleon's wife, Jennifer. Authorities alleged that Deleon, along with Machain and others, planned to bind and gag the couple before throwing them overboard, tied to the yacht's anchor, for financial gain.

In 2006, Jennifer was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. Skylar Deleon faced trial in September 2008 for the murders of the Hawks and another victim, John Jarvi. During the trial, Deleon's attorney admitted that Deleon had committed the murders, seeking to argue against the death penalty. On October 20, 2008, Deleon was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder, and on April 10, 2009, was sentenced to death.

The trials of Deleon's accomplices followed. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was convicted and sentenced to death in 2009. Alonso Machain pleaded guilty to reduced charges after testifying against Deleon and Kennedy. Myron Gardner also faced other charges and received a minor sentence.