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Emigration and immigration

Undocumented Immigrant Charged with Manslaughter in Texas Lake Jet Ski Accident

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Texas authorities announced manslaughter charges against Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, a 21-year-old undocumented immigrant, for fatally striking an 18-year-old girl with a jet ski on a Texas lake. Gonzalez, who entered the country on September 28, 2023, and was released on an order of recognizance, is accused of killing Ava Moore, a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, while driving a jet ski at a high rate of speed. Moore was kayaking on Lake Grapevine when she was struck, and Gonzalez and her passenger allegedly left the scene before returning and fleeing the area. The passenger, who has not been charged, was later interviewed by police. Gonzalez and her friend, Maikel Coello Perozo, were arrested in Dallas on Tuesday and have been identified as Venezuelan nationals who entered the United States undocumented.

Key Takeaways:

  • Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, a 21-year-old undocumented immigrant, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a jet ski accident that killed 18-year-old Ava Moore on a Texas lake.
  • Gonzalez is accused of driving a jet ski at a high rate of speed and striking Moore, who was kayaking on Lake Grapevine.
  • Moore, a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, was pronounced dead at the hospital after being struck by the jet ski.
  • Gonzalez and her passenger allegedly left the scene before returning and fleeing the area in a vehicle driven by Maikel Coello Perozo.
  • Perozo has been charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors.
  • Gonzalez and Perozo are identified as Venezuelan nationals who entered the United States undocumented, which has brought federal immigration law enforcement to the case.
  • Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has stated that Gonzalez and Perozo should not have been in the country, and that the previous administration's open border policies have cost too many Americans their lives.
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Gonzalez on Tuesday, and both suspects are in removal proceedings.
  • Gonzalez entered the country on September 28, 2023, and was released on an order of recognizance, while Perozo entered the United States on January 22, 2023, and was released pending an immigration hearing.

Statistics:

  • Age of Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez: 21 years
  • Age of Ava Moore: 18 years
  • Date of Gonzalez's entry into the United States: September 28, 2023
  • Date of Perozo's entry into the United States: January 22, 2023
  • Length of imprisonment for manslaughter in the state of Texas: 2-20 years

Sources:

  • UPI, "Undocumented immigrant charged with manslaughter in Texas lake jet ski accident" by Darryl Coote, May 29
  • Texas Department of Public Safety, press conference by Captain Joseph Quintero, May 29
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement, statement by ICE, May 29
  • Department of Homeland Security, statement by DHS, May 29
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott's office, social media post, May 29

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