Texas governor threatens illegal migrants with death penalty after fatal hit and run
Two illegal migrants suspected of killing a US soldier in a jet ski crash over memorial day weekend have been threatened with the death penalty.
Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, threatened the pair with the death penalty after they were arrested on suspicion of taking part in a jet ski hit and run that killed a US air force recruit.
'Welcome to Texas. Here's your death penalty,' the Republican captioned a news reel of the incident on X.
Ava Lake, 18, died on Sunday after she was hit by a jet ski while out kayaking on Grapevine Lake, North Texas.
Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and Maikel Perozo, both 21, were arrested on Tuesday following a standoff with law enforcement at their home near Dallas, Fox 4 reported.
Ms Gonzelez was allegedly driving a jet ski with another woman when they crashed into Moore, after which she is accused of fleeing the scene with Mr Perozo in a blue Toyota Corolla, knocking into two other vehicles as they tried to get away. Both suspects then allegedly ran from the scene.
The jet ski passenger remained at the scene where she was interviewed by police.
Witnesses told law enforcement that the jet ski made several 'reckless' manoeuvres at high speed before crashing into Moore, who was in the process of steering away, according to an arrest warrant seen by Fox4.
Bystanders allegedly tried to restrain the suspects before they got into their car escape.
Ms Gonzalez, from Venezuela, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, with her bond set at $500,000.
Mr Perozo was also charged with an accident involving injury, and more charges are expected on Wednesday.
Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, said that both suspects were in the country illegally, which the acting head of the ICE Dallas Field Office confirmed, according to reports.
'Ava Moore's senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place,' Mr Paxton said. 'My heart breaks for Ava's family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy.'
Tributes pour in
Tributes have poured in for Moore, who had recently graduated from the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was set to commence basic training.
On the day of the crash, she was visiting her parents in North Texas, Fox 4 reported.
'We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met,' US air force academy superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind said in a statement.
'Her constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School, and her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team.'
Ms Gonzalez is not currently charged with a capital offence and is therefore not eligible for the death penalty.
Under Texas law, the death penalty only applies to certain capital felonies, defined as 'an individual intentionally or knowingly causing the death of an individual'.
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