ICE Identifies Jet Ski Suspects in Air Force Cadet Candidate's Death as Illegal Immigrants
Two Venezuelan nationals have been arrested in connection with the death of Air Force cadet Ava Moore, who was reportedly struck by a jet ski while kayaking.
Authorities in Grapevine, Texas, have identified the two suspects involved in a deadly jet ski hit-and-run over Memorial Day weekend as illegal immigrants from Venezuela. The suspects, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and Maikel Coello Perozo, both 21 years old, were arrested in Dallas on Tuesday following the incident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Ava Moore, an Air Force Academy cadet candidate.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Joshua Johnson, acting field director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Emergency Removal Operations in Dallas, stated that both Gonzalez and Perozo crossed the southern border in either 2023 or 2024. "They were arrested at the time of entry, processed on a notice to appear, and then released on their own recognizance," Johnson said. ICE has since lodged immigration detainers against both individuals, meaning that after criminal proceedings conclude in Texas, they will be processed for removal from the country.
Gonzalez is accused of driving the jet ski that fatally struck Moore on Sunday at Grapevine Lake. She now faces a second-degree felony manslaughter charge, according to Capt. Joseph Quintero from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Perozo, meanwhile, faces misdemeanor charges of collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension after allegedly helping Gonzalez flee the scene by car. Authorities have not clarified the nature of the relationship between the two suspects.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed late Tuesday night that both suspects are in the country illegally. "We've arrested an illegal alien for killing Ava Moore and another illegal alien connected to her death," Paxton wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. In a subsequent statement, Paxton described Moore’s death as "senseless" and extended condolences to her family and friends.
The Texas Game Wardens expressed appreciation for the support of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Dallas Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to public safety. Paxton further stated that his office would continue to work with law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava Moore.
Ava Moore was set to join the Air Force Basic Training in a few weeks and was home in Texas visiting family for the holiday weekend when the tragedy occurred. A standout basketball player and student at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado, Moore was remembered by her coach, Ke’sha Blanton, as a future leader. "We talked throughout the course of the year that at some point in her career she was going to be a four-star general because she loved it," Blanton said. "She made those around her better." Blanton added, "They took a bright, bright star from our lives."
According to investigators, two women were riding the jet ski that struck Moore on Sunday evening. While a passenger remained at the scene, the operator — identified as Gonzalez — allegedly fled with Perozo. In their attempt to escape, the pair reportedly crashed into another vehicle. Moore was pulled to shore and treated for severe head injuries before being transported to a hospital, where she later died.
In response to the incident, the Grapevine Police Department released a statement expressing condolences: "Our thoughts are with Ava’s family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe."
At the time of publication, Immigration and Customs Enforcement had not responded to requests for further comment.
