48 Hours: "Anchors Away" – A Comprehensive Summary

Episode Title: Anchors Away
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host/Author: CBS News' "48 Hours"
Description: This episode delves into the harrowing true story of Tom and Jackie Hawks, a couple whose idyllic life on their yacht, The Well Deserved, turned into a nightmare orchestrated by deceit and murder. Through meticulous reporting and gripping interviews, "48 Hours" uncovers the intricate details of the crime, the investigation, and the eventual pursuit of justice.

1. Introduction to Tom and Jackie Hawks

The episode opens by painting a vivid picture of Tom and Jackie Hawks' life. Tom was a dedicated probation officer from Prescott, Arizona, known for his integrity and commitment to helping others. Jackie, his wife, complemented him perfectly with her warmth and love for family. Together, they fulfilled Tom’s dream of sailing, purchasing a 55-foot yacht named The Well Deserved.

Ryan Hawks, Tom’s son, reminisces about his father, saying, “He was a man’s man. He was… very masculine, very outdoors” [05:38]. The couple’s life was marked by adventure and joy, spending time on the water, swimming with dolphins, and enjoying sunsets that symbolized their tranquil existence.

2. The Arrival of Skylar De Leon

The tranquility of the Hawks' life was disrupted by the arrival of Skylar De Leon, a troubled man with a manipulative nature. Skylar, who had a dark past involving drug dealing and dishonesty, saw an opportunity when Tom and Jackie placed an ad to sell their yacht.

Describing Skylar, Ryan Hawk states, “Skyler was a manipulator and somebody who was a complete con man. And she was a spoiled brat, basically” [14:54]. Skylar, along with his accomplices Alonzo Machene and John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), orchestrated a plan to steal the yacht under the guise of being legitimate buyers.

3. The Orchestrated Crime

On November 6, 2004, Skylar and his team met Tom and Jackie at the Newport Beach waterfront. Exhibiting deceptive charm, Skylar introduced JFK as his accountant. Convinced of their sincerity, Tom and Jackie agreed to a test drive of the yacht.

During the voyage, the true nature of Skylar’s plan unfolded. As Ryan Hawks recounts, “They picked Tom and Jackie up and paid him on the spot. It was so convenient. Just like that? Yeah. No hassle? None. That is super convenient” [00:00]. However, this convenience masked a meticulously planned murder.

As the yacht sailed into deep waters off Catalina Island, Skylar and his accomplices began their takeover. Tom attempted to resist, using all his strength to protect Jackie. In a desperate struggle, Tom managed to momentarily overpower Skylar, delivering a forceful kick that momentarily incapacitated him [27:22]. Despite this, Skylar regained control, and both Tom and Jackie were violently thrown overboard, struggling in the icy Pacific waters [28:05].

4. The Investigation

Following the disappearance of Tom and Jackie Hawks, the Hawks' family grew increasingly concerned. Jim Hawks, Tom’s brother, conducted a preliminary inspection of the yacht and noted inconsistencies, such as a missing anchor, which led to suspicions about foul play [31:55].

Detective Sergeant Dave Byington and Sergeant Evan Saylor took on the case, uncovering Skylar’s web of deceit. They discovered Skylar's history of fraud, including falsified claims about his military service and acting career. Skylar’s alibi unraveled when his girlfriend, Jennifer De Leon, and Skylar himself were found to have forged documents, including a fake power of attorney, to manipulate the Hawks into handing over control of their finances [25:22].

Notably, Ryan Hawks shares his anguish, stating, “Everything else is just pure horror” [25:05], highlighting the emotional toll the investigation took on the family.

5. Unraveling the Truth

As the investigation progressed, Alonzo Machene, plagued by guilt, came forward to confess his role in the crime. His testimony was pivotal in linking Skylar and JFK to the murders. Additionally, surveillance footage and forensic evidence from the yacht further solidified the case against the perpetrators.

Jennifer De Leon, initially uncooperative, eventually faced charges as the investigation revealed her involvement in supporting Skylar’s fraudulent activities. Despite an offer of immunity, she refused to testify against Skylar, leading to her conviction and sentencing to two life terms in prison [45:15].

6. The Trial and Sentencing

The trial brought to light the extent of Skylar De Leon's manipulations and brutality. Prosecutor Matt Murphy emphasized the premeditated nature of the murders, underscoring Skylar's cold-blooded intent.

Skylar faced charges not only for the murders of Tom and Jackie Hawks but also for the earlier killing of John Jarvi, another victim of his schemes. Despite attempts by his defense attorney, Gary Poulsen, to mitigate his sentence, Skylar was ultimately convicted on all counts.

Ryan Hawks poignantly reflects, “A young mother could spend the rest of her life in prison” [41:40], underscoring the irreversible loss and justice served.

7. Legacy and Reflection

The episode concludes with a reflection on the lasting impact of the tragedy on the Hawks family. Ryan Hawks shares his ongoing grief and the void left by his parents' untimely deaths. “Ever since this thing started, every day I look at the ocean and I say hi to Tom and Jackie” [45:43], he muses, indicating how the memory of his parents continues to resonate in his daily life.

The case of Tom and Jackie Hawks stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice and the resilience of a family grappling with unimaginable loss. "48 Hours" not only chronicles the meticulous investigation and trial but also honors the enduring legacy of two individuals whose lives were tragically cut short by deception and violence.

Notable Quotes with Attributions

• Ryan Hawks: “He was a man’s man. He was… very masculine, very outdoors” [05:38].

• Ryan Hawks: “Skyler was a manipulator and somebody who was a complete con man. And she was a spoiled brat, basically” [14:54].

• Ryan Hawks: “Everything else is just pure horror” [25:05].

• Ryan Hawks: “A young mother could spend the rest of her life in prison” [41:40].

• Ryan Hawks: “Ever since this thing started, every day I look at the ocean and I say hi to Tom and Jackie” [45:43].

Conclusion

"Anchors Away" serves as a profound exploration of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth. Through in-depth interviews and compelling storytelling, "48 Hours" brings to light the complexities of the case, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded on The Well Deserved. This episode not only sheds light on the criminal minds of Skylar De Leon and his accomplices but also honors the memory of Tom and Jackie Hawks, whose lives were tragically entwined in a tale of deceit and loss.