Two illegal aliens from Venezuela were arrested Tuesday after fleeing from a fatal jet ski hit-and-run crash in Texas over Memorial Day weekend.
Air Force cadet candidate Ava Moore, 18, was struck and killed by the jet ski while kayaking on Sunday on Grapevine Lake. Moore, who was weeks away from starting basic training, suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Officials have arrested the suspected driver of the jet ski, 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, and the man she left the scene with, 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo. Both are from Venezuela and are in the United States illegally, according to ICE.
Authorities held a press conference Wednesday to release more details on the deadly collision. FOX 4 News aired the press conference and reported the two suspects were arrested Tuesday at a home in Dallas after “good hard detective work” and tips from the public, said Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we diligently work to conclude this case,” Quintero said. “I want to thank the public for reporting information on the tip line. We received more than 900 tips which helped us provide a quick resolution for the family.”
Gonzalez is charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Perozo is charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors. Quintero said it is unknown what their relationship is, other than that they know each other.
Joshua Johnson, acting field office chapter for ICE ERO in Dallas, said Gonzalez and Perozo “crossed the southern border in 2023 or 2024. They were arrested at the time of entry, processed for a notice to appear, then released on their own recognizance.”
Both Gonzalez and Perozo are in the state’s custody on criminal charges. ICE also issued an immigration detainer. Once the state concludes its case, they will be turned over to ICE and see an immigration judge to determine if they will be deported.
“I would think that a bond would be inappropriate in this case,” Johnson said during the news conference.
As of Wednesday, Gonzalez and Perozo were being held in the Grapevine jail.
FOX 4 News reports police believe Perozo was driving a blue Toyota Corolla that crashed into two separate vehicles while fleeing the scene.
Quintero said more charges could be filed as they investigate the incident. The Game Wardens’ investigators will use technology to recreate the crash and continue building the case.
“We’re recreating the collision to have a clearer picture to what happened that day and will be updating the public,” Quintero said.
They are still investigating who owned the jet ski as well as if alcohol is believed to be a factor.
Quintero credits the hard work of multiple agencies in locating the suspects. He described the scene as “horrific” and said the jet ski was being driven at a high rate of speed near the shoreline near Oak Grove Park when the crash occurred.
In Texas, there is a 50-foot rule that the operator of a personal watercraft must not be going any faster than headway speed or slow idle within 50 foot of any object or the shoreline.
“If they would have applied that law this accident wouldn’t have happened,” Quintero said. “The tragic unnecessary death of anybody on the public waters of the state of Texas is something that we’re always fighting to try to deter and stop from happening and this is a great example of that.”
Moore was visiting her parents in North Texas for Memorial Day weekend and enjoying a day on the lake when the crash happened. Bystanders helped pull her to shore and she was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Her family issued a statement that was read at the news conference: “We are so thankful for the countless messages and demonstrations of love and support, and most grateful for the many prayers we have received. This is a difficult time for all involved, but also an opportunity for our beautiful girl to continue to impact our community. Out of this tragedy, God will make good and that only can be accomplished through forgiveness. We respectfully ask for your time and privacy to breathe, and thank you for all of your kindness and support. God bless.”
Moore was eager to serve in the U.S. military—a dream Moore’s friends and family said she was proud to pursue. The Air Force confirmed in a post on its official Instagram page that Moore graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19, 2025. She had accepted an appointment to join the Academy as a member of the Class of 2029.
“We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met,” U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said in the Instagram post.
“Ava’s constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School, and her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton posted the news release on X: “Ava Moore’s senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place,” AG @KenPaxtonTX said in a statement. “My heart breaks for Ava’s family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy. My office will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava.”
BREAKING: We've arrested an illegal alien for killing Ava Moore and another illegal alien connected to her death.
My office will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava. pic.twitter.com/stj4bcu1ZD
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) May 27, 2025
In a post on X, Gov. Greg Abbott wrote, “Welcome to Texas. Here’s your Death Penalty,” linking to a news article about the crash.
Welcome to Texas.
Here’s your Death Penalty. https://t.co/Dlm0LvcA4q
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 28, 2025
According to witnesses, two women were riding a jet ski near Oak Grove Park on Grapevine Lake the evening of May 25 when they struck a kayaker. Witnesses told authorities that Moore and other kayakers tried to paddle away before she was struck from behind, FOX 4 News reports.
The passenger of the jet ski remained on shore with witnesses, according to police. There are currently no charges against the passenger.
Bystanders pulled Moore from the water and began life-saving measures. They also tried to stop the suspects attempting to flee.
“The public came to her aid and tried to do what they could to help until first responders,” Quintero said. “I’ve heard a lot of reports and seen the videos. It is a tragic, tragic situation, and I hope people will take this and use this an opportunity to remember Miss Moore and also to be safe out on public waters.”
The Texas Game Wardens are leading the investigation into the water incident. Grapevine police are handling the vehicle hit-and-run cases.
