Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of an 18-year-old Air Force Academy cadet candidate who was killed in a jet ski hit-and-run incident on Grapevine Lake in Texas during Memorial Day weekend.
Ava Moore was fatally struck while kayaking on the evening of May 25, 2025, when a jet ski carrying two female occupants collided with her near Oak Grove Park. The 18-year-old sustained severe head trauma and was pulled to shore by witnesses before being transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The jet ski operator, identified as 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, fled the scene with 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo. The passenger on the jet ski remained at the scene to speak with first responders. As the pair attempted to escape, their vehicle struck two other vehicles while leaving the area.
Both suspects were arrested on May 27, 2025, at a residence in the 4700 block of Kildare Avenue in Oak Cliff, Dallas. Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero indicated that officers found the suspects with packed suitcases, suggesting they intended to flee for an extended period.
Gonzalez has been charged with felony manslaughter in Moore’s death. Perozo faces charges of collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors. According to arrest documents, witnesses reported the jet ski was traveling at a high rate of speed and dangerously close to other people in the water.
Joshua Johnson, acting field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Dallas, confirmed that both suspects are undocumented Venezuelan nationals. Gonzalez entered the United States illegally on September 28, 2023, while Perozo entered on January 22, 2023. Both were processed with notices to appear and released on their own recognizance upon entry.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including Texas Game Wardens, Grapevine Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Authorities received more than 900 tips from the public after releasing a photograph of the suspect.
Witness accounts and doorbell camera footage helped investigators track down the suspects. Facial recognition software and police reports from other agencies were used to identify both individuals. According to arrest documents, bystanders attempted to stop the suspects from fleeing, but members of their group helped them escape to a nearby parking lot.
Perozo admitted to police that he helped Gonzalez escape to avoid capture for killing the victim. He also acknowledged hitting another vehicle while attempting to flee from Grapevine Lake and continuing to drive to get away from people at the scene.
Moore had recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19, 2025, and had accepted an appointment to join the academy as a member of the class of 2029. She was a 2024 graduate of Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth, where she excelled as a basketball player, helping the Lady Falcons achieve a 71-51 record across four years.
Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind described Moore as an exemplary teammate whose passion for leadership and service impacted everyone she met. He noted that her constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron navigate the challenges of the Prep School.
Lisa Scrabeck, a witness who assisted with life-saving measures, told CBS News Texas that Moore was wearing a life jacket, which was removed before CPR began. “She didn’t suffer in agony,” Scrabeck stated regarding Moore’s condition.
Moore’s family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the messages of love, support and prayers they have received. They indicated this difficult time presents an opportunity for their daughter to continue impacting the community and emphasized that good can come from tragedy through forgiveness.
The Texas Game Wardens are leading the water fatality investigation, while the Grapevine Police Department is handling the automotive incidents. Officials indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Investigators are examining whether alcohol was a factor in the incident and are working to determine the ownership status of the jet ski, including whether it was rented. The passenger who remained at the scene has not been charged at this time.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged immigration detainers for both suspects. Once their state cases are completed, ICE will take custody and proceed with immigration proceedings.
