Latest news with #Classof2029
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Arrests made in alleged hit-and-run that killed U.S. Air Force Academy cadet candidate
(GRAPEVINE, Texas) — The Texas Game Wardens, along with the Grapevine Police Department (GPD), said they have made arrests in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that happened over Memorial Day weekend. On Sunday, May 25, Texas Game Wardens responded to a water fatality involving a personal watercraft and a kayaker at Lake Grapevine, northwest of Dallas. Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) said two women in a personal watercraft allegedly hit and killed 18-year-old Ava Moore, a cadet candidate who had graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19 and had been accepted to join the Academy as a member of the Class of 2029. According to TPW, the personal watercraft was being driven at a high speed near the shoreline of Oak Grove Park when it collided with a kayak occupied by Moore. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, and the passenger initially left the scene, then later returned. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: USAFA cadet candidate killed in alleged hit-and-run while kayaking in Texas The passenger remained on the scene and spoke with police, while Gonzalez left in a vehicle with 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo. While the two were leaving the area, police said they hit two other vehicles. GPD is working on the case of the automobile crashes, while Texas Game Wardens investigated the boating incident. On Tuesday, May 27, Gonzalez and Perozo were arrested in Dallas. TPW said Gonzalez is facing charges of Manslaughter, and Perozo is facing charges of Collision Involving Damage to a Vehicle and Hindering Apprehension. 'We would like to take an opportunity to thank not only our local, state, and federal law enforcement officers but also the public for their support and vigilance in reporting information to the Grapevine Police Department's tip line,' said Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero. 'We received more than 900 tips from the public, which helped us provide a quick resolution to the family.' 'These arrests will not undo the heartbreak of losing Ava Moore, but we will continue to provide support to her family throughout the criminal justice process,' said Amanda McNew, Media Manager for the Grapevine Police Department. TPW said Enforcement Removal Operations Dallas filed immigration detainers with GPD following the arrests of Gonzalez and Coello, and both are in removal proceedings pursuant to the policies of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
ICE identifies jet ski suspects in Air Force cadet candidate's death as illegal immigrants
The suspect and her alleged accomplice linked to the jet ski hit-and-run death of an Air Force cadet candidate over Memorial Day weekend have been identified as illegal immigrants, according to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official. During a Wednesday news conference in Grapevine, Texas, Joshua Johnson, acting field director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Emergency Removal Operations in Dallas, confirmed that 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo are both illegal immigrants from Venezuela. Gonzalez was allegedly operating the jet ski that struck and killed 18-year-old Ava Moore on Sunday at Grapevine Lake. Moore was a United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet candidate and part of USAFA's Class of 2029, according to the military school. "It's my understanding that both the individuals crossed the southern border in 2023 or 2024," Johnson said. "They were arrested at the time of entry, processed on a notice to appear, and then released on their own recognizance." He added that ICE has lodged immigration detainers against the suspects, and that after the criminal justice proceedings against them in Texas are complete, they will be processed for removal. Capt. Joseph Quintero, game warden at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, announced that Gonzalez has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Read On The Fox News App Perozo has been charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors, after allegedly driving away from the scene with Gonzalez. He said both were arrested in Dallas on Tuesday, and that the relationship between them remains unclear. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton first announced that the pair were in the country illegally on Tuesday night. "We've arrested an illegal alien for killing Ava Moore and another illegal alien connected to her death," Paxton wrote in a Tuesday post on X. Texas Police Arrest Suspect After Fatal Jet Ski Hit-and-run "Ava Moore's senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place," Paxton wrote in a news release. "My heart breaks for Ava's family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy," Paxton continued. ICE did not respond to a request for comment. Five Illegals Charged In Alleged Maritime Human Smuggling Attempt That Left Child Dead "We are thankful for the help of fellow law enforcement officers from the Texas Attorney General's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations," the Texas Game Wardens said in a statement. Paxton added that his office "will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava." According to FOX 4, Moore was just weeks away from her lifelong dream of joining the military. She was scheduled to leave for Air Force basic training and was home in Texas visiting family during Memorial Day weekend. Moore was reportedly a student and star basketball player at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado. Three Illegal Immigrants Charged After Fiery Texas Crash Leaves One Dead "You know, we talked throughout the course of the year that at some point in her career she was going to be a four-star general because she loved it," her coach, Ke'sha Blanton, told the outlet. "She made those around her better." Blanton said she is feeling sadness and anger over Moore's death. "They took a bright, bright star from our lives," she said. Investigators said two women were on a jet ski that struck Moore on Sunday evening. According to police, a passenger on the jet ski remained on the scene, while the operator of the craft allegedly fled and then left with a male. The pair allegedly crashed into a vehicle during their escape from the scene. Moore was pulled to shore and treated for severe head trauma before being taken to a nearby hospital where she later died, the outlet reported. "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 shared in a article source: ICE identifies jet ski suspects in Air Force cadet candidate's death as illegal immigrants
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Hamilton College's Ben set to live the American dream at Columbia University
Hamilton College pupil Benedict Nevo will soon be living the American dream having successfully applied to Columbia University in New York City. Ben will be heading across the Atlantic to the Big Apple in the autumn having accepted the offer of a place on the four-year 'Undergraduate Scholars Program', where he'll be majoring in economics. After an outstanding academic performance at Hamilton College, Ben had offers from a range of US universities including the University of North Carolina, Indiana's Notre Dame and Boston College. He has opted for the Big Apple, though, and can't wait to get started in one of the eight Ivy League schools which is widely regarded for its high academic standards, selectivity in admissions and social prestige. 'I'm looking forward to attending Columbia University and exploring New York City. I'm sure I will find useful the skills I have learnt at Hamilton College and pick up some new ones at Columbia,' he said. 'Hamilton College's close-knit environment helped me in my Ivy League applications in many ways. 'The main way was being able to have a close relationship with my teachers, who helped me navigate the process and gave me advice on my application essays. Having a family-like community at school means that dreams and ambitions are not lost in the crowd, and everyone's unique goals are given enough attention. 'The school's rigorous curriculum also prepared me well for the SAT test, which I had to take before applying. The application process included a personal statement and supplemental essays for every university I applied to. Thanks to the extra-curricular opportunities available at Hamilton College, I had loads to write about, from playing soccer to learning jazz pieces on the saxophone.' Richard Charman, Hamilton College head teacher, said: 'Congratulations, Ben! We're excited to see you go from strength to strength as you embrace all that lies ahead. The world awaits. 'These offers reflect years of dedication, a strong academic record, and a passion for learning that have shaped Ben's journey through Hamilton College.' Welcoming Ben to Columbia, Jessica Marinaccio, dean of undergraduate admissions and financial aid said: 'By virtue of being named a Scholar, you are considered to be one of the most talented students admitted to the Class of 2029, selected from one of the largest applicant pools in Columbia's history. 'I believe that you will make important intellectual and extra-curricular contributions to Columbia. We see in you an individual who will embrace everything that Columbia has to offer, and we are eager for you to contribute your unique voice and gifts to our college, community and city.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Two arrested in weekend's jet ski-death of Air Force Academy cadet
May 28 (UPI) -- Authorities have arrested two people, one accused of fatally striking a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet with a jet ski on a northern Texas lake over the weekend and a male who allegedly helped her flee the scene. Ava Moore, 18, was killed when she was struck by a jet ski while kayaking on Lake Grapevine on Sunday. The suspect was then seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle with a male companion. Their vehicle allegedly struck a second vehicle as they drove away. On Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced in a statement that Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez had been arrested for killing Moore. The male, who was not identified, has also been arrested, he said. According to Paxton, the two suspects were undocumented immigrants. He said Gonzalez was a native of Venezuela. "Ava Moore's senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place," Paxton, a Republican, said in a statement. "My heart breaks for Ava's family and friends and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy." His office said the arrests were made by the attorney general's Fugitive Apprehension Unit, which was working with law enforcement agents from Texas Parks and Wildlife, Grapevine Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "My office will continue to work with local, state and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava," Paxton said. The U.S. Air Force Academy confirmed in a statement that Moore was a cadet candidate who had graduated from U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19 and had accepted an appointment to join the academy as a member of the Class of 2029. "We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend -- Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met," Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said. "Ava's 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." Moore's death comes amid heightened scrutiny of noncitizens during the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration.
UPI
6 days ago
- UPI
Two arrested in weekend's jet ski-death of Air Force Academy cadet
Ava Moore, 18, was killed Sunday while kayaking on Lake Grapevine when she was struck by a jet ski. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force Academy/ Facebook May 28 (UPI) -- Authorities have arrested two people, one accused of fatally striking a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet with a jet ski on a northern Texas lake over the weekend and a male who allegedly helped her flee the scene. Ava Moore, 18, was killed when she was struck by a jet ski while kayaking on Lake Grapevine on Sunday. The suspect was then seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle with a male companion. Their vehicle allegedly struck a second vehicle as they drove away. On Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced in a statement that Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez had been arrested for killing Moore. The male, who was not identified, has also been arrested, he said. According to Paxton, the two suspects were undocumented immigrants. He said Gonzalez was a native of Venezuela. "Ava Moore's senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place," Paxton, a Republican, said in a statement. "My heart breaks for Ava's family and friends and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy." His office said the arrests were made by the attorney general's Fugitive Apprehension Unit, which was working with law enforcement agents from Texas Parks and Wildlife, Grapevine Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "My office will continue to work with local, state and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava," Paxton said. The U.S. Air Force Academy confirmed in a statement that Moore was a cadet candidate who had graduated from U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19 and had accepted an appointment to join the academy as a member of the Class of 2029. "We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend -- Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met," Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said. "Ava's 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." Moore's death comes amid heightened scrutiny of noncitizens during the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration.
