Full Breakdown
Influencer and Father Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot Targeting Ex-Partner Jack Avery
5/20/2026, 6:26:45 AM
Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
Los Angeles County prosecutors filed felony charges on May 19, 2026, accusing TikTok influencer Gabriela “Gabbie” Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and boyfriend Kai Cordrey of conspiracy, attempted murder and solicitation to kill Jack Avery, a former Why Don’t We singer. The complaint says the trio used dark web and Bitcoin to hire a hitman.
Custody Dispute Background
The scheme is tied to a custody battle over the couple’s seven-year-old daughter, Lavender. Court filings from 2020-2021 show Gabriela repeatedly called Avery “unfit” and, in March 2021, expressed a desire for his death while seeking sole custody.
Primary Individuals
Jack Avery – 26-year-old singer beginning a solo career after Why Don’t We.
Gabriela “Gabbie” Gonzalez – 24-year-old TikTok/Instagram influencer (~470 k followers).
Francisco Gonzalez – 59-year-old Miami-Florida attorney.
Kai Cordrey (also reported as Faron Cordrey) – 26-year-old instructor.
Dustin Barca – retired MMA fighter mentioned as a recruit.
Timeline of Alleged Conspiracy
Oct 2020–Mar 2021: Custody filings and Gabriela’s statements about wanting Avery dead.
Apr 26 2021: Francisco sent $10,000 to Cordrey as a “web-development” payment.
Jun 2021: Cordrey added $4,000 to the dark-web contact “LizardKing69.”
Sept 2021: Undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman discussed payment and proof of death.
May 2026: Gabriela arrested in Humboldt County, transferred to Los Angeles; Francisco arrested in Seminole County, Florida; charges filed.
Legal Actions, Official Statements, and Criticism
The trio faces up to 25 years-to-life if convicted. Gabriela was ordered bail at $2 million and barred from contacting Avery or their child. District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the case “a lengthy FBI investigation turned over to DA’s office” and condemned the alleged “sinister” collaboration. An FBI spokeswoman declined comment, referring inquiries to the DA.
Impact and On-the-Ground Accounts
Avery said FBI agents warned him of the plot, leading to a temporary restraining order and placement of Lavender with a foster family. He described anxiety, noting he “continued to travel to see my daughter” despite fearing for his safety.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Money totals differ: LA Times cites $14,000, while Rolling Stone reports $10,000 plus $4,000. The boyfriend’s name appears as Kai Cordrey and as Faron Cordrey. The dark-web contact is identified as “LizardKing69” and also as an unnamed hitman. No evidence of a hired assassin has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was notified by the FBI that a hit man was hired to kill me,” — Jack Avery
- “This is a case where the defendants are accused of going to great lengths to find someone to commit murder.” — Nathan Hochman
- “This was a lengthy investigation that was initiated by the FBI and eventually turned over to our office, resulting in criminal charges being filed today. This is a case where the defendants are accused of going to great lengths to find someone to commit murder. Most fathers raise their children to respect the law, but here we have a dad who allegedly helped his daughter and her boyfriend break the law in the most sinister way imaginable.” — Nathan Hochman
- “in substance, it would all be cheaper if Avery were dead.” — Francisco Gonzalez (witness)
What’s Next
The defendants are slated for arraignment on May 23, 2026, after which prosecutors will present cryptocurrency records and undercover recordings.
