The San Diego County son of a couple murdered on their yacht is preparing to testify at the penalty phase of the killer's trial.
An Orange County jury found 29 year old Skylar Deleon guilty of the murders of Tom and Jackie Hawks Monday, after just two hours of deliberations.
"It's one small piece of the puzzle of justice, you know the real fight the real battle is going to be for the penalty phase," said the victims' son Ryan Hawks, who was in court for the verdict.
Prosecutors had laid out in court how Deleon pretended to be interested in buying a half million dollar yacht from the Hawks. Then, on a test cruise, overpowered them and forced the couple to sign over ownership of the boat. Deleon then tied the two to the anchor and dumped them into the ocean.
Deleon's attorney had conceded his client's guilt to the jury, but argued he should not be put to death.
The penalty phase starts Wednesday, and Ryan Hawks plans to testify.
"Well, they made the right decision for the guilty verdict, pretty easy. I know I'm biased in the situation, but the evidence was overwhelming. And I think they're a smart jury, and I think the death penalty phase will be a little more extensive and harder to determine but in the end they'll make the right decision," Ryan Hawks said.
