Latest news with #Gonzalez
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bond set for Grapevine Lake jet ski crash suspects
The Brief The woman accused in a Grapevine Lake jet ski hit-and-run crash had her bond set at $500,000. The man who helped her flee the crime scene has a $3,000 bond. But because both now have an immigration hold, they will stay in custody if they post bond. GRAPEVINE, Texas - A bond amount has been set for the two undocumented migrants accused in a deadly hit-and-run crash on Grapevine Lake on Memorial Day weekend. But they are not likely to get out of jail any time soon. What we know Several political officials and immigration authorities pushed for "no bond to be assigned" to 21-year-olds Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and Maikel Coello Perozo following the death of 18-year-old Ava Moore. But a magistrate on Thursday set Gonzalez's bond for a manslaughter charge at $500,000. Perozo's bond was set at a little more than $3,000 for his misdemeanor charges, including hindering apprehension and an accident involving damage to a vehicle. However, both suspects now have an immigration hold on them. Dig deeper The immigration hold means that if the suspects do post bond, they will stay in custody until they answer the state charges against them or until they are deported. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials would pick them up if either posted bond and take them to a federal facility, or they could stay in the Tarrant County jail, where they are now. What's next Moore's funeral service will be held in North Texas on Saturday. Moore was just weeks away from starting basic training for the U.S. military, a dream her friends and family said she was proud to pursue. She had recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was home visiting her parents in North Texas for Memorial Day. The U.S. Air Force will conduct full military honors at the end of her service. Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of their daughter. The backstory The crash happened near Oak Grove Park on Grapevine Lake on the evening of May 25. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, two women were on a jet ski that was traveling at a high rate of speed and dangerously close to other people in the water. Witnesses told investigators that Moore and other kayakers tried to paddle away before she was struck from behind. The 18-year-old victim suffered severe head trauma. She was pulled to shore by bystanders, then taken to a hospital where she later died from her injuries. Authorities said a passenger on the jet ski stayed at the scene and spoke with first responders. But the driver, later identified as Gonzalez, got into a vehicle with a man, later identified as Perozo. Several parked vehicles were hit as the pair drove away from the scene. Witnesses provided officers with photos and videos taken immediately after the accident, and a tip line was later set up to identify the suspects, receiving more than 900 tips. The arrest affidavit says that Gonzalez and Perozo were identified based on tips and facial recognition software. Both suspects entered the country illegally from Venezuela, according to ICE. ICE officials said they were both arrested at the time of their entry, processed for a notice to appear, then released on their own recognizance. ICE said both are now in removal proceedings. The Source The information in this story comes from Grapevine police, ICE officials, Tarrant County court records, and past news coverage.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Senior Spotlight: Flathead High School senior finds purpose through adversity
May 30—Joangerli Katherine Gonzalez trekked thousands of miles immigrating from South America to the United States when she was 16. Just three years later, she is set to graduate from Flathead High School. Gonzalez's month-and-a-half-long trip across nearly a dozen countries took her through dense jungles and across roaring rivers. She had to camp in the wilderness and at one point hiked for 12 hours straight. What the arduous trip taught her, though, is that she is capable. "Even everything that happens, I just take that [as] an experience for me to grow and to understand that ... I will have difficult moments in my life, but I know that I've been through that and I'm capable. I can do it, I can try," she said. That is a value the soft-spoken, yet bubbly student from Venezuela held close during her time in Flathead High School. While she entered school as a sophomore, she acquired the credits needed to graduate in just three years. But Gonzalez made sure to let none of that time go to waste. She took upper-level courses, sang in choir, coached elementary track, aided incoming Spanish-speaking students and even helped organize a campaign to promote inclusivity for children with disabilities. "To be involved is part of who I am," Gonzalez smiled. But gaining the comfort to pursue her many accomplishments was not easy. Starting high school is terrifying for any teenager. But when Gonzalez arrived in the Flathead Valley with her family in 2022, she did not know any English. She was in a new school in a new country and taking classes in a language she didn't know. She felt isolated from her peers. While ecstatic to be in, as she described, "big" and "fancy" school, she would often leave class in tears. But Gonzalez found solace in her friendship with Kirk Johnston, the school's Spanish teacher. "He was one of the big supports for me," she said. Gonzalez described a sense of relief being around Johnston, who provided familiarity in an unfamiliar place. Gonzalez has since become that same source of comfort for Spanish-speaking students newly enrolling in Flathead High. "This is my job to make them feel good, to make them feel comfortable," she said. She recalled introducing a new Spanish student to a gym game. The student was nervous, but Gonzalez stuck with her to translate the rules. "She was a little bit shy to do it, but I was like, 'I'm running with you. I'm also shy, but I'm here.'" Gonzalez also enjoyed helping elementary girls in the Highlander Track Club open themselves to new experiences during her time as a coach. She recalled teaching the girls shotput, which many had not done before. While some were reluctant, she enjoyed watching their faces light up after taking a jab at a new sport. "I understand so much that sometimes they have so much fear to try something new," Gonzalez said. When Gonzalez arrived at Flathead, she was amazed by the opportunities and activities offered to girls that were not offered in Venezuela. "I wanted to play soccer, but out there it is just for boys. So, you're limited," she said. Her mindset: Just try the thing. And whether you like it or not, be proud that you gave it a chance. "I think it's the most important thing in life," she said. Flathead counselor Michael Sherman beamed at Gonzalez as he praised her accomplishments. "You have been a great example for anyone, little kids or high school students, adults, anybody to have the self-confidence to try new things," he said to Gonzalez. When asked about who inspired her ambition and proclivity for the unknown, she couldn't help but get emotional thinking of her father. "I'm so thankful that he [taught] me how to be strong and capable," Gonzalez said through tears. GONZALEZ WAS 11 when she left her home in Caracas, Venezuela to escape political unrest and extortion. Gonzalez, her stepmom, younger sister and father moved to Peru, but experienced xenophobia during a time when Venezuelans were migrating to the country in swaths. "My dad was just so worried for us to be at school," she said. A few years later, they left for the United States. The journey entailed days-long hikes, buses and a three-day trek through the Darién Gap, which Joangerli said was the most difficult part of the trip. The Darién Gap is a rugged stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama. While traffic through the passage has largely dwindled since President Donald Trump took office, the treacherous route saw hundreds of thousands of migrants pass through each year. Joangerli recalled hiking for 12 hours straight on the first day and spending a night away alone with her stepmom and sister after splitting from her father. It was raining, and water had flooded the tent. "I was just so scared," she said. She remembered crying out for her dad. But the next day, she heard her dad calling her from across a river, which she had to cross. The current was strong, and as she made her way across and reached out for a branch, another migrant was holding out from the riverbank. But the current swept her legs from under her. "I remember I was just calm. I don't drink any water either," she said. The current finally pushed her to the other side of the river where she met up with her family. "I think that was the most scary part for me." While such memories can be uncomfortable to rekindle, Gonzalez sees them as a part of her life. "It's still like a hard experience ... but something you can learn from," she said. After graduating, Gonzalez will study pediatrics at the University of Montana this fall. She is also excited to take a global leadership class and learn about issues people are facing around the world and how they can be helped. She is excited to immerse herself in a diverse environment with a wide array of classes to take. In a political climate that is targeting particularly Venezuelan immigrants, Gonzalez hopes that her story will show there are immigrants looking for opportunity. "We have jobs and we are worker people," she said. "Sometimes it's good to listen to people's reasons of why they left their country." "Here, you have those opportunities that you can make a better life for yourself and your family. I think that's something that most of the immigrants think about," she said. Flathead High School holds its graduation on May 30 at 7 p.m. at the school's gym, 644 Fourth Ave. W. About 280 students are set to graduate. Reporter Jack Underhill may be reached at 758-4407 and junderhill@
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Grapevine Lake Death Exposes Dangers Of Possible Illegal Alien Gatherings
Before an illegal alien allegedly killed a woman on Grapevine Lake during Memorial Day weekend, likely Venezuelan crowds had been gathering at the location for 'months' with large amounts of alcohol, The Dallas Express has learned. 'It's kind of turned into kind of a big, big party,' said Raul Barraza, a nearby resident who frequents the location with his family, to The Dallas Express. 'Beer everywhere.' Barraza explained that he lives just minutes from Oak Grove Park in Grapevine, where Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez allegedly struck and killed 18-year-old Ava Moore with a jet ski on May 25, as The Dallas Express previously reported. Gonzalez fled the scene with Maikel Coello Perozo. Both suspects, 21, are illegal aliens from Venezuela, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. They were caught illegally crossing the southern border in 2023, but officials under President Joe Biden's administration released them at the time. The Texas Game Wardens and Grapevine Police Department captured the suspects on May 27 after a days-long manhunt. ICE has placed them on immigration holds, and they are now in 'removal proceedings.' Barraza told The Dallas Express that he and his family routinely visit the park where Moore lost her life. He said for months, from Katy's Woods to Oak Grove Park – where the tragedy occurred – 'it's madness' between Thursday and Sunday. 'We've kind of seen it from a distance the past couple months, and it just kind of gets crazy,' he said. 'It's almost turned into a party, dude. Beer everywhere.' Barraza's wife is from Colombia, so she recognized the crowds were speaking in accents described as 'definitely' from Venezuela – 'no doubt about it.' The park area by the baseball field is usually where 'all the commotion happens.' He said he has not seen any drug use but 'would not doubt it.' 'The lake is supposed to be a place where you go find some peace, get relaxed, get close to nature,' Barraza said. 'For a place that's always been kept clean, it's crazy seeing it just kind of get grimy.' He also said he has heard instances of men roaming the park, offering jet skis for rent to the 'big crowd.' The Dallas Express asked the Grapevine Police Department where the suspects got the jet ski, but Media Manager Amanda McNew directed inquiries to the Texas Game Wardens. Maggie Berger, public information officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – which oversees the game wardens – told The Dallas Express that officials are investigating the ownership of the jet ski Gonzalez was operating at the time. 'The Texas Game Warden Marine Theft Investigation Unit is looking into the ownership history of the personal watercraft,' Berger said. She also said she is 'unable to release any additional details relating to the ownership' of the jet ski due to the 'ongoing investigation.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Puerto Rico governor under fire as federal funds for solar projects are stalled
SAN JUAN: Puerto Rico's governor pledged Thursday to improve the island's crumbling electric grid and boost the economy in her first address after being elected last year as anger intensifies over chronic power outages and an increase in cost-of-living expenses. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, spoke for nearly two hours as she listed her accomplishments since taking office in January and announced multimillion-dollar investments to improve Puerto Rico's health, education and public safety. "Without a doubt, the road has been difficult and full of lessons that we must ensure we don't repeat," she said. Gonzalez Colon said the upcoming budget includes funds to hire 800 new police officers, $12 million to hire new firefighters and $24 million to recruit resident doctors as health professionals continue to move to the U.S. mainland, leaving Puerto Rico with few or no specialists in certain areas. She noted that more than 60%, or roughly $8 billion, of the upcoming general fund budget is slated for health, education and public safety. The budget has not yet been approved. Maria de Lourdes Santiago, vice president of Puerto Rico's Independence Party, said after the governor's address that the numbers announced are not sufficient given that thousands of certain government employees, including police officers, are needed. Gonzalez Colon, a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, decried federal bureaucracy during her address, noting her administration would keep pushing to free some $18 billion in federal funds set aside to improve Puerto Rico's power grid, which Hurricane Maria razed in September 2017 as a Category 4 storm. She also renewed her pledge to cancel the government's contract with Luma Energy, a private company that oversees the transmission and distribution of power in Puerto Rico. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The termination of this contract will be a reality," she said as supporters stood up and applauded. Gonzalez Colon said reliable power is essential to attract investment as she promised to keep attracting more manufacturing to Puerto Rico. In upcoming months, she said she would announce the expansion of five industries on the island. The length of her address and the speed at which she sometimes delivered it surprised some. Political analyst and university professor Jorge Schmidt Nieto said it seemed like a ploy to distract those who have criticized her administration of inaction and the government of so far not approving many laws. "She tried to bring an optimistic tone because she knows she has received a lot of criticism," Schmidt Nieto said. Another who criticized Gonzalez was Pablo Jose Hernandez, Puerto Rico's representative in Congress and president of the opposition Popular Democratic Party: "If one word describes the start of this government, that word is disorder." He noted that in the past five months, Gonzalez has presented three candidates for Puerto Rico's secretary of state, two candidates for its justice department and another two candidates for its labor department. None of those positions have been filled as Gonzalez's party has failed so far to approve her nominees.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
‘100 Deadliest Days' on the road begin
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Research shows that when school lets out for the summer, the number of teens getting behind the wheel dramatically increases—and so do road fatalities. We are officially in what officials call the '100 deadliest days.' It's the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when car accidents involving teen drivers dramatically increase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly half of teen driver-related deaths happen within these 100 days. School is out, kids are on the roads more, and all drivers have a part to play in keeping things safe. Driving instructor Ben Kauma is very familiar with new drivers and the skills they lack, such as being aware of how dangerous driving can be. He said teens can feel invincible while driving. Mixing that with more time on the road doesn't always end well. 'A lot of impatient people out there,' said Kauma. Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez with the Michigan State Police encourages parents to talk with their kids about driving expectations. 'Don't be distracted, stay off that phone, drive the speed limit, wear your safety belt, try to limit the number of other teens in your vehicle,' said Lt. Gonzalez. If you are a passenger in a teenager's car, let the driver focus, and if you see something wrong,g say something. 'It's your safety you need to think about as well. If you see someone not buckled up, encourage them to put on that safety belt,' Lt. Gonzalez said. For parents, a good way to make sure your child is following the rules. is to lead by example. 'If your kid sees you speeding, they might think it's okay,' Lt. Gonzalez said. Don't be afraid to bring consequences to the table if your teen is not being a responsible driver. Experienced drivers have a role in these 100 days as well. 'You're responsible for yourself, but also look out for those other drivers that aren't paying attention.' Lt. Gonzalez continued, 'It's better to be safe than sorry.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
