Two Venezuelan nationals in the U.S. illegally have been charged in connection with the Memorial Day weekend death of 18-year-old Ava Moore, a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet candidate, following a hit-and-run involving a jet ski on Grapevine Lake in Texas

Authorities say 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez was operating the jet ski that struck Moore, while 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo allegedly helped her flee the scene. Both were arrested Tuesday in Dallas, according to law enforcement officials.

NEW: 21 y/o Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and 21 y/o Maikel Coello Perozo fled the scene after Gonzalez reportedly hit and killed Ava Moore on a jet ski—Both suspects crossed into the U.S. in 2023 or 2024 and were processed/released according to officials.

Ava had just… https://t.co/nkO6FgBz9o pic.twitter.com/TqVMRJ8K0D

— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) May 28, 2025

At a news conference on Wednesday, Joshua Johnson, acting field director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Dallas, confirmed both individuals had crossed the southern U.S. 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 filed detainers on both suspects.

Gonzalez has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Perozo faces charges of hindering apprehension and collision involving damage to a vehicle, both misdemeanors. Investigators say after hitting Moore, Gonzalez fled the scene with Perozo, crashing into another vehicle during their escape.

#28May Dos venezolanos fueron detenidos en EE.UU: Daikerlyn Alejandra González (21) y Maikel Coello Perozo (21). La primera acusada de atropellar y huir en moto acuática tras herir gravemente a Ava Moore (18), aspirante a cadete de la Fuerza Aérea. Texas. USA pic.twitter.com/By5Xrm2Oco

— CATERINA VALENTINO (@CATERINAV) May 28, 2025

Moore, who was scheduled to begin Air Force basic training soon, had returned home to Texas to visit family for Memorial Day weekend. She had been attending the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado and was a standout basketball player. “She made those around her better,” her coach, Ke’sha Blanton, told FOX 4. “We talked throughout the year that at some point in her career she was going to be a four-star general because she loved it.”

Emergency crews pulled Moore from the water and treated her for severe head trauma, but she later died at a local hospital. Witnesses reported that while a passenger on the jet ski remained at the scene, the driver fled with a male accomplice.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed the immigration status of the suspects on Tuesday night. “We’ve arrested an illegal alien for killing Ava Moore and another illegal alien connected to her death,” Paxton posted 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.” In a statement, Paxton added, “My heart breaks for Ava’s family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy.”

Grapevine Police and Texas Game Wardens are leading the investigation, with support from multiple law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

“Our thoughts are with Ava’s family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe,” the Grapevine Police Department stated. Paxton said his office “will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava.”