Influencer Gabbie Gonzalez exited Los Angeles County Jail on May 22, 2026, after posting a $2 million bail, marking the latest chapter in a murder-for-hire scandal that has drawn national attention. The 24-year-old TikTok star, along with her father Francisco Gonzalez and ex-boyfriend Kai Faron Cordrey, faces charges of conspiring to kill Jack Avery, a former member of the boy band Why Don’t We and the father of her 7-year-old daughter. TMZ captured images of Gonzalez in a camo outfit, signaling her readiness for a public battle as she reenters the spotlight. The case, rooted in a years-long custody dispute, has exposed a web of legal and personal recklessness that has left fans and legal experts alike stunned.
The Custody Battle That Sparked the Plot
The alleged murder plot stems from a volatile custody fight between Gonzalez and Avery over their 7-year-old daughter. According to court documents and prosecutors, Francisco Gonzalez, a Florida-based personal injury attorney, became deeply involved in the dispute, allegedly hiring a private investigator to surveil Avery for signs of substance use or misconduct. Detectives noted that the father “threatened to have Avery arrested should he show up for visitation,” though details remain unclear. FOX 35 Orlando reported that the surveillance efforts escalated into a broader scheme to eliminate Avery, with Gonzalez allegedly recruiting her then-boyfriend Cordrey to find a hitman via the dark web.
Avery, who has maintained sole custody of their daughter, described the ordeal in a social media statement: “I stayed in my house for a month straight. I didn’t leave. I was so scared looking out my window every night.” His words, shared widely on Instagram, underscore the fear that drove the alleged plot. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office alleged that the trio planned the murder between 2020 and 2021, with Francisco Gonzalez funneling $10,000 to Cordrey in April 2021 as “front money” for the hit. NBC News detailed how Cordrey later requested an additional $4,000 from Gonzalez, citing fees from the “hitman.”
Legal Fallout and Public Outcry
The case has drawn sharp criticism from legal and cultural observers. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned Francisco Gonzalez’s role, stating, “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.” The DA’s office charged Gonzalez with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder, while Cordrey faces similar counts. NBC News noted that Cordrey’s alleged involvement included meetings with an undercover officer posing as a hitman, where he reportedly discussed payment and demanded proof of death.
Gonzalez’s legal team has not yet commented, and it remains unclear whether Cordrey has retained counsel. Meanwhile, Avery has sought to shield his daughter from the scandal, stating, “For years, my family and I have endured intense public scrutiny, false accusations, and deeply painful attacks on our character and reputation.” His focus, he said, is on “being the best father” and ensuring his daughter remains “safe, healthy, and deeply loved.” NBC News highlighted the emotional toll on the family, with Avery’s statement reflecting a broader narrative of resilience amid chaos.
What’s Next for the Case?
The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in Los Angeles County, where Gonzalez and Cordrey are currently in custody. Francisco Gonzalez, meanwhile, was arrested in Florida on a California warrant, adding a cross-state dimension to the case. Prosecutors have emphasized the gravity of the charges, with one official noting that the alleged plot “represents a dangerous escalation of a private dispute into a criminal enterprise.” FOX 35 Orlando reported that the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating with California authorities to ensure all defendants face justice.
Public reaction has been divided. While some have condemned the alleged actions as “despicable,” others have questioned the role of the legal system in enabling such a plot. Legal analysts point to the $10,000 payment as a critical piece of evidence, noting that “conspiracy to commit murder hinges on the intent to carry out the crime, not just the act itself.” The case also raises broader questions about the intersection of celebrity, custody battles, and criminal behavior, particularly when family members leverage their resources to fuel violence. TMZ noted that Gonzalez’s public appearance after her release has reignited debates about the accountability of high-profile individuals in legal scandals.
As the trial looms, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing personal grievances to spiral into criminal acts.
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