Two suspects, both believed to be illegal immigrants, have been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run jet ski crash on Grapevine Lake in Texas that claimed the life of a teenage Air Force recruit.
Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, and Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, were taken into custody on Tuesday after allegedly fleeing the scene of a jet ski collision that killed 18-year-old Ava Moore.
According to her arrest affidavit, Gonzalez, a Venezuelan national, has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Her bond is set at $500,000, Fox4 reported.
Police believe Perozo, Gonzalez’s accomplice, was driving a blue Toyota Corolla used in their escape from the fatal scene.
While helping her flee, Perozo reportedly crashed into two vehicles before both suspects abandoned the car and ran.
Perozo is currently charged with an accident involving a collision, with another charge expected tomorrow.
Investigators say Gonzalez, the suspected jet ski driver, fled the crash site without offering aid and she was later identified with help from a passenger who remained at the scene.
Ava Moore, 18, a recent graduate of Timber Creek High School and a student at the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, was kayaking near Oak Grove Park on Sunday evening when she was violently struck by a speeding jet ski
Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, and Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, were taken into custody on Tuesday after allegedly fleeing the scene of a jet ski collision that killed 18-year-old Ava Moore
Police then circulated photos of Gonzalez taken at the lake, which ultimately led to the arrests of both suspects after a multi-agency manhunt involving Dallas officers, Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the New York Post.
Law enforcement used drones to look into the windows of the suspects’ hideout before they surrendered.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has since confirmed that both Gonzalez and Perozo were in the US illegally.
‘We are thankful for the help of fellow law enforcement officers from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations,’ the Texas Game Wardens said on social media.
‘Ava Moore’s senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place. My heart breaks for Ava’s family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy,’ Paxton said.
Moore, a recent graduate of Timber Creek High School and a student at the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, was kayaking near Oak Grove Park on Sunday evening when she was violently struck by a speeding jet ski.
According to her arrest affidavit, Gonzalez (right), a Venezuelan national, has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Her bond is set at $500,000, Fox4 reported
Police circulated photos of Gonzalez taken at the lake (pictured), which ultimately led to the arrests of both suspects after a multi-agency manhunt involving Dallas officers, Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Grapevine Fire Department officials said they pulled Moore to shore and began life saving measures before she was brought to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries
Moore had been set to begin basic training in the fall and was remembered as a dedicated athlete and honors student
Emergency responders found her unconscious with severe head trauma as bystanders and first responders attempted life-saving measures.
Despite their efforts, the 18-year-old Air Force recruit was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Moore had been set to begin basic training in the fall and was remembered as a dedicated athlete and honors student.
A GoFundMe launched to support her grieving family has surpassed its $20,000 goal, raising over $30,000 as of Wednesday morning.
As the investigation continues, local officials are calling for stronger water safety enforcement and increased accountability on Texas lakes during peak holiday weekends.