TikTok influencer Gabbie Gonzalez, 24, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot. Her arraignment on the charges has been postponed to September 14.
Gonzalez is accused of orchestrating a plot to kill Jack Avery, a former member of the boyband Why Don't We and the father of her child. The alleged motive stems from a contentious custody battle over their 7-year-old daughter, Lavender.
Authorities also arrested Gonzalez's father, Francisco Gonzalez, in Florida in connection with the alleged scheme. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and reports from TMZ, Francisco Gonzalez allegedly became heavily involved, with one witness reportedly telling investigators that he stated, "it would be cheaper if Jack were dead."
Gabbie Gonzalez was initially arrested on May 18 by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office before being transferred to Los Angeles County. Investigators believe the alleged plot dates back to 2021 and involved efforts to surveil Avery while he was living in Hawaii. The alleged goal was to obtain photographs or videos of Avery smoking or drinking, which could potentially be used against him in custody proceedings.
One alleged communication cited by investigators involved Francisco Gonzalez writing, "Call Barca … never too early," which authorities believe referred to an individual named Dustin Barca. Investigators allege that Gabbie Gonzalez and her friend Kai Cordrey later attempted to recruit Barca to threaten Avery.
Further reports indicate that a witness told investigators that Gabbie Gonzalez’s father electronically sent Cordrey $10,000 in April 2021, disguised as "web-development payments." Cordrey later allegedly told investigators that this explanation was fabricated and that he had not performed any web services. Using information provided by Cordrey, a federal agent reportedly posed as a hitman and participated in a phone call with Francisco Gonzalez, during which payments and the intended target were discussed.
Following Gabbie Gonzalez's arrest, Jack Avery filed for court-ordered protection and sought sole custody of their daughter, according to court documents. Gabbie Gonzalez, Francisco Gonzalez, and Kai Cordrey have each been charged with one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder.