NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Newport Beach, Calif., police have arrested a man who purchased a boat from a couple who disappeared a short time after the deal was completed.
Officials said Skylar DeLeon of Long Beach was arrested on a money-laundering charge related to his cash purchase of a 55-foot cruiser from Thomas and Jackie Hawks, a retired Arizona couple who had lived aboard the vessel for several years.
The vessel was based in Newport Beach and was reportedly bought by the 25-year-old DeLeon in mid-November for more than $400,000 cash.
DeLeon was apparently the last person to see the Hawks, who were reported missing by family members after failing to attend a Thanksgiving dinner.
The case took a turn Thursday when the Hawks' missing car was found in Ensenada, Mexico. The vehicle has been brought back to Newport Beach for examination by evidence technicians.
There was still no sign Saturday of the missing couple.
