Ep 2. The Surfer Slayer?

American Greed season 10 episode 2, titled "The Surfer Slayer," delves into the case of a charismatic Southern California con artist named Skylar Deleon. In 2004, Skylar and his pregnant wife, Jennifer Henderson, posed as buyers interested in purchasing a luxury yacht from a married couple, Tom and Jackie Hawks. After signing a sales agreement, the couple invited Skylar and Jennifer aboard the yacht for a test sail. During the trip, Skylar tied the Hawks to an anchor and threw them overboard, leaving their bodies to be eaten by sharks.

The episode takes viewers through Skylar's life leading up to the murder and the intricate web of lies he wove to cover his tracks. Skylar grew up in a dysfunctional family and turned to a life of crime at a young age. He stole cars, sold drugs, and even served time in prison for armed robbery. However, Skylar's charm and charisma allowed him to charm his way into the lives of wealthy individuals, giving him access to their money and assets.

After spending time in jail for his previous crimes, Skylar was determined to turn his life around and build a successful career in real estate. However, he quickly realized that his criminal past was a major roadblock to his dreams. Instead of changing his ways, Skylar decided to use his past experiences to his advantage and began targeting wealthy individuals for fraud and theft.

One of Skylar's primary targets was Tom Hawks, a retired probation officer who had a passion for sailing. Skylar saw Tom's love for boating as an opportunity to scam him out of his money and assets. After befriending the couple and gaining their trust, Skylar and Jennifer concocted a plan to steal their yacht and sell it for a profit.

The murder of Tom and Jackie Hawks shocked the Southern California community and made national headlines. Skylar and Jennifer went on the run, but were eventually caught and brought to trial. The episode includes interviews with law enforcement officials and family members of the victims, who recount the events leading up to the murder and the aftermath of the crime.

"The Surfer Slayer" is a chilling reminder of the dangers of greed and the lengths to which some individuals will go to satisfy their desires. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering getting involved in fraudulent activities or illegal schemes. Overall, American Greed season 10 episode 2 is a gripping and thought-provoking look at a true crime that shocked the nation.