Los Angeles, California — A shocking murder-for-hire case involving a TikTok influencer, her father and her former boyfriend has stunned social media followers and music fans after prosecutors accused the trio of plotting to kill a former boy band singer during a bitter custody dispute.
The case, which was investigated by the FBI and later handed over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, centers around allegations that a hitman was sought through the dark web to murder singer Jack Avery, a former member of the popular boy band Why Don’t We.
Influencer Accused in Murder-for-Hire Plot
According to investigators, Gabriela Lauren Gonzalez, 26, who built a large social media following through lifestyle and travel content, allegedly worked with her then-boyfriend Kai Faron Cordrey between 2020 and 2021 to find someone willing to kill Avery.
At the time, Avery and Gonzalez were reportedly involved in a heated custody battle concerning their now 7-year-old daughter.
Authorities believe the custody dispute may have fueled the alleged murder plot, which prosecutors say escalated into discussions about hiring a contract killer online.
Investigators claim Gonzalez’s father, Francisco Gonzalez, 60, may have played a major role in the alleged plan.
One witness reportedly told investigators that Francisco once stated “it would be cheaper if Avery were dead.”
Alleged Payments and FBI Investigation
Prosecutors allege that in April 2021, Francisco Gonzalez wired $10,000 to Cordrey as upfront money intended to help secure a hitman.
Two months later, Cordrey allegedly requested an additional $4,000, claiming the supposed killer wanted more money to complete the job.
The investigation took a dramatic turn in September 2021, when Cordrey reportedly communicated with an undercover federal agent posing as a hitman.
According to authorities, Cordrey identified Avery as the target and allegedly insisted the murder needed to happen within days. Prosecutors also claim he discussed payment arrangements and proof of death with the undercover agent.
“In a subsequent conversation, Cordrey allegedly told the purported hitman that Gabriela Gonzalez wanted the murder to happen and Francisco Gonzalez could pay for the expense,” investigators with the L.A. DA’s Office stated.
Arrests and Criminal Charges
Gabriela Gonzalez was arrested last week in Humboldt County, according to reports. Her father was also taken into custody but has not yet been extradited from Florida to Los Angeles.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether Cordrey has been arrested.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that all three defendants have been charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Solicitation of murder
If convicted on all charges, each defendant could face 25 years to life in state prison.
District Attorney Calls Allegations “Sinister”
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described the allegations as deeply disturbing while announcing the charges.
“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,” Hochman said.
He continued: “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.”
Case Draws Massive Attention Online
The case has quickly gained widespread attention online due to Gonzalez’s social media presence and Avery’s connection to the music industry.
Many fans have expressed shock over the allegations, particularly because the dispute allegedly involved the parents of a young child.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for what could become a high-profile court case in Los Angeles.
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