Gabbie Gonzalez, a 24-year-old TikTok influencer, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting Jack Avery, a former member of the boy band Why Don’t We and father of her child. During the hearing, which saw the arraignment postponed until September 14, Gonzalez was observed smiling. She was accompanied by her attorneys and wore a dark blazer over a green blouse.
Authorities allege that the plot stems from a contentious custody dispute involving the couple’s 7-year-old daughter, Lavender. Gonzalez’s father, Francisco Gonzalez, was also arrested in Florida in relation to the case. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Francisco became deeply involved in the dispute. Investigators say a witness reported that Francisco made a statement suggesting 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 scheme dates back to 2021 and included efforts to monitor Avery while he was residing in Hawaii. Reports indicate that members of the Gonzalez family sought photographs or videos of Avery partaking in activities such as smoking or drinking, possibly to use against him in ongoing custody proceedings.
Among the evidence cited by authorities is a communication from Francisco Gonzalez referencing “Call Barca … never too early,” which investigators believe pertains to an individual named Dustin Barca. Prosecutors allege that Gabbie Gonzalez and an associate, Kai Cordrey, attempted to recruit Barca to intimidate Avery. Cordrey later informed investigators that a $10,000 transfer from Francisco Gonzalez, labeled as “web-development payments,” was a cover for illicit activity, with no actual services rendered.
Based on information provided by Cordrey, a federal agent reportedly posed as a hit man to engage in a recorded phone conversation with Francisco Gonzalez, during which discussions about payments and the intended target purportedly took place.
Following Gabbie Gonzalez’s arrest, Jack Avery sought a court order for protection and petitioned for sole custody of their daughter, according to court documents. Gabbie Gonzalez, Francisco Gonzalez, and Kai Cordrey have each been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. Investigations remain ongoing.