Influencer, Dad Charged in Alleged Murder Plot Against Former Boy Band Member

A criminal case in Los Angeles has placed former Why Don't We member Jack Avery at the centre of serious allegations involving his ex-partner and her father.

Authorities have charged social media influencer Gabriela 'Gabbie' Gonzalez and her father with allegedly conspiring to hire a hitman to kill the singer, who is also the father of her child.

According to statements from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and court filings, the alleged plot was under investigation for several years before charges were brought. Federal authorities, including the FBI, initially led the inquiry before the case was transferred to local prosecutors.

At the heart of the case is a prolonged custody dispute over the couple’s young daughter. Prosecutors allege that tensions between Gonzalez and Avery escalated over visitation arrangements and parental rights, eventually leading to discussions of violence.

Court documents cited by the Los Angeles Times allege that between 2020 and 2021, Gonzalez, her then-boyfriend Kai Cordrey, and her father, Francisco Gonzalez, discussed recruiting an individual to kill Avery. They are also accused of attempting to locate a hitman through covert channels, including encrypted messaging and dark web contacts.

Investigators further allege that Francisco Gonzalez provided financial support for the scheme, including payments totalling around $10,000, which were allegedly disguised as unrelated transactions.

Authorities say the alleged plot did not progress to completion after law enforcement intervened. An undercover officer, posing as a hitman, is said to have engaged with one of the alleged co-conspirators, collecting evidence of discussions around payment, logistics, and how the killing could be staged as an accident.

Following the investigation, Gonzalez was arrested in California, while her father was taken into custody in Florida. Both face charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder, offences that carry potential sentences of 25 years to life if convicted.

Jack Avery has since sought a restraining order and applied for sole custody of the couple’s daughter, citing safety concerns following the arrests. He has also said in court filings and interviews that he was informed by the FBI of threats to his life, and was advised it was “not safe” to be around Gonzalez. He described the experience as deeply traumatic and said he remained fully aware of the risks during arranged visits with his child.