Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for the death penalty for two Venezuelan illegal immigrants accused of causing the fatal hit-and-run of Ava Moore, an 18-year-old newly enlisted US Air Force recruit. The tragic incident occurred at Grapevine Lake during Memorial Day weekend.
Governor Abbott posted on X, "Welcome to Texas. Here’s your death penalty," alongside a video report showing the arrests of Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and Maikel Perozo. Both suspects are originally from Venezuela.
Ava Moore had recently graduated from the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was preparing to begin basic training. She was spending the holiday weekend with her family in North Texas when the accident occurred on Sunday evening.
According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by Fox 4, Gonzalez allegedly operated a jet ski recklessly near the lake’s shoreline and collided with Moore's kayak. Witnesses reported dangerous maneuvers by the jet ski before the collision. Following the impact, Gonzalez fled the scene with Perozo in a blue Toyota Corolla, reportedly hitting two other vehicles during their escape. Another woman on the jet ski remained and cooperated with authorities.
Following a standoff at a Dallas-area residence, both suspects were arrested on Tuesday. Gonzalez has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter and is held on a $500,000 bond. Perozo, believed to be the getaway driver, faces charges related to leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, with additional charges expected.
Currently, neither faces capital felony charges.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed both suspects are in the country illegally and commented, "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."
Tributes have flooded in remembering Moore's ambition and character. Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind, Superintendent of the US Air Force Academy, said, "We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met. Her constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School."
Moore's basketball coach, Ke’sha Blanton, added, "She talked all year about becoming a four-star general one day because she loved it. She made those around her better."
The investigation remains ongoing.
