The adult sons of a couple killed by former child actor SKYLAR DELEON have broken their silence about the tragic 2004 slaying that cost their parents their lives.
Deleon, best-known for his role in U.S. kids TV series Power Rangers, is charged with the murder of Tom and Jackie Hawks.
He allegedly tied the pair to an anchor before tossing them into sea off Newport Beach, California as part of a plot to steal the couple's yacht.
The 29 year old is charged with two counts of murder and a special circumstance of multiple murder and murder for financial gain.
And, just days after the Deleon trial got underway, Ryan and Matt Hawks have opened up about their parents' murders.
Ryan Hawks told U.S. morning show Today on Friday (10Oct08) of his last conversation with his parents the day they disappeared: "I was flying to Seattle for work. It was on the last voyage of (their yacht) Well Deserved. I kind of pushed them off the phone; I was running late for a plane. I just felt bad. I had no idea that was the last time I’d talk to them." On his decision to speak out about the tragedy, Hawks added, "It’s important to us as a family, because this is the last thing we’ll ever get to do for our parents. And, as much as it hurts, we just need to be there and represent them." His brother Matt admitted he's "relieved" that Deleon has opened the trial by admitting guilt: "It’s been four years; it’s been a long time. I’m looking forward to this trial, and I’m sure the jurors will make the correct decision.
"I’m raising two beautiful children now and I don’t have the grandparents, so that they can share their lives with them. It’s just very hard not having them around to share the best part of our life.” The jury will also consider separate murder charges in the death of John Jarvi - a man Deleon met in 2003 while serving jail time for burglary - after a judge consolidated the cases.
Deleon is charged with murder and the special circumstance of murder for financial gain in connection with the Jarvi slaying.
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Deleon if he is convicted.