Convicted killer’s sentencing delayed until May

A Long Beach gang member convicted of killing a Newport Beach couple in 2005 out at sea had his sentencing delayed until May 1, thanks to a motion from his attorneys.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 43, who a jury recommended receive the death penalty last month, will likely be sentenced weeks after his accomplice, Skylar Deleon, 29, is sentenced for his role in the crime as well.

The two men, along with an accused third accomplice, Alonso Machain, deceived Newport Beach retirees Tom and Jackie Hawks in 2005 into letting them on their boat thinking they were going to buy it, only to be subdued and eventually thrown overboard tied to an anchor, alive.

Kennedy’s attorneys filed for a mistrial, a standard procedure attorneys try before a sentencing, but prosecutor Matt Murphy said it only delays the inevitable.

Deleon may also be sentenced to the ultimate punishment at his court appearance April 10. Machain is awaiting trial. Deleon’s ex-wife, Jennifer Henderson, was sentenced to life without parole in 2007 and the fifth man, who put Deleon and Kennedy together for the crime not knowing it was for a killing, Myron Gardner, was released last week after four years in jail.

— Joseph Serna