Fact Check: "A child actor in Power Rangers murdered a couple later in life"
What We Know
Skylar Preciosa Deleon, a former child actor known for a non-speaking role in the television series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, was convicted of the murders of Thomas and Jackie Hawks in 2008. The couple was last seen alive on November 15, 2004, after departing on a test cruise of their yacht, the Well Deserved, which they intended to sell. Deleon, along with accomplices, was found guilty of binding and gagging the couple before throwing them overboard, tied to the yacht's anchor, in order to steal their boat for financial gain (Wikipedia; People). Deleon was sentenced to death in 2009 for these crimes, which also included the murder of another man, John Jarvi, whose body was found in Mexico (NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that a child actor from Power Rangers committed murder is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Skylar Deleon's involvement in the murders is well-documented, with a clear timeline of events leading to the convictions. The murders were premeditated, as Deleon had initially posed as a potential buyer for the Hawks' yacht. The prosecution's case included testimonies and evidence showing that Deleon and his accomplices planned the crime to gain financially from the couple's yacht (Wikipedia; ABC News).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include news reports from established media outlets and a comprehensive entry from Wikipedia that cites multiple references. The legal proceedings against Deleon were widely covered, and the details of the case have been corroborated by various news articles and legal documents (People; NBC Washington).
While some sources may exhibit a sensational tone due to the nature of the crimes, the factual basis of Deleon's conviction and the details surrounding the murders are consistent across multiple reports. This consistency lends credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that a child actor in Power Rangers later committed murder is True. Skylar Preciosa Deleon, who appeared in the series, was convicted of the murders of Thomas and Jackie Hawks, as well as another individual, and was sentenced to death. The evidence from reliable sources confirms the details of the case and Deleon's role in the crimes.
Sources
- Murders of Thomas and Jackie Hawks - Wikipedia
- Former Power Ranger Actor Convicted of Triple Murder
- Former 'Power Rangers' actor on trial for murder
- Man convicted of killing couple thrown off yacht
- Skylar Deleon sentenced to death for murders of Tom, Jackie ...
- Former 'Power Rangers' Child Actor Given Death Sentence
- Maritime Love Affair Cut Brutally Short - ABC News
- Former child actor admits taking part in double yacht murder