Influencer and Two Others Charged in Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Child’s Father

Gabriela Gonzalez, a 24-year-old social media influencer with nearly half a million TikTok followers, has been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder in connection with a plot to kill Jack Avery, the father of her 7-year-old daughter and former member of the boy band Why Don’t We. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges Tuesday, naming Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, 59, and her former boyfriend Faron Cordrey, 26, as co-defendants.

The alleged plot unfolded during a custody dispute between Gonzalez and Avery from 2020 to 2021. Prosecutors said Gabriela Gonzalez repeatedly expressed a desire to have Avery killed and discussed hiring a hitman. According to court documents, she asked Cordrey to search the dark web for someone to carry out the murder. Francisco Gonzalez, who is based in Florida, allegedly provided $10,000 to Cordrey in April 2021 as initial payment to find and hire the hitman, who was actually an undercover FBI agent. Two months later, Francisco Gonzalez reportedly sent an additional $4,000 after the supposed hitman requested more money.

Cordrey communicated with the undercover officer posing as a hitman in September 2021, discussing payment, proof of death, and identifying Avery as the target. Prosecutors said Cordrey told the officer that Gabriela Gonzalez wanted the murder to happen and that her father would cover the cost.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman commented on the case, saying, “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.” Hochman also noted the investigation began with the FBI before being handed over to Los Angeles County prosecutors.

Francisco Gonzalez was arrested in Florida and is awaiting extradition to California, while Cordrey has not yet been detained. If convicted, all three face sentences ranging from 25 years to life in state prison.

Jack Avery revealed in a podcast interview last year that the FBI warned him about the plot, stating, “Someone hired someone to kill me.”

Gabriela Gonzalez’s social media presence includes Instagram and TikTok accounts where she shares lifestyle content such as cooking and dancing. Her Instagram biography describes her as a “lover of life” and a “mermaid at heart.” On TikTok, she has posted commentary on pop culture trends. In a 2024 TikTok video, she discussed her favorite song from Taylor Swift’s album “The Tortured Poets Department,” reflecting on themes of heartbreak.

A lawyer for Gabriela Gonzalez did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It remains unclear whether Francisco Gonzalez and Cordrey have legal representation.