Influencer Gabbie Gonzalez, 24, walked out of Los Angeles County Jail on Friday night in a full camo ensemble after posting $2 million bail in a murder-for-hire plot linked to her custody battle with ex-boyfriend and former boy band singer Jack Avery.
What began as a bitter custody dispute over their 7-year-old daughter escalated into one of the most brazen alleged murder-for-hire schemes in recent entertainment history. Gonzalez and her father, Francisco Javier Gonzalez—a Florida-based civil trial attorney—are now facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation of murder, and attempted murder after allegedly paying $10,000 to a hitman to kill Avery between 2020 and 2021. The case exposes the dark underbelly of influencer culture, where public personas and private battles collide with deadly consequences.
From TikTok Star to Alleged Mastermind: The Timeline of a Custody War Turned Deadly
The story unfolds like a twisted script: Jack Avery, a former member of the boy band Why Don’t We, and Gonzalez shared a daughter born in 2019. By 2020, their custody battle had reached a boiling point. According to court records obtained by NBC News, Gonzalez’s father allegedly hired a private investigator to surveil Avery, looking for any behavior that could be used against him in court. The investigation reportedly included checking for signs of drinking, smoking, or other “unsavory” conduct—standard tactics in high-stakes custody disputes, but with a chilling twist.
By April 2021, Gonzalez and her then-boyfriend, Kai Faron Cordrey, allegedly took the plot to a new level. Francisco Gonzalez sent Cordrey $10,000 as “front money” to locate and pay a hitman, prosecutors said. Two months later, Cordrey requested an additional $4,000 after the hitman demanded more funds. The plan was reportedly finalized in September 2021, when an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman spoke with Cordrey about the murder. Prosecutors allege Cordrey discussed payment, requested proof of death, and even specified a timeline—”within a couple of days.”
Yet the plot never materialized. Avery, who had been living in fear, told reporters he stayed in his home for a month straight, terrified of what might happen. “I stayed in my house for a month straight. I didn’t leave. I was so scared looking out my window every night,” he said in a statement. His fear was justified: the affidavit paints a picture of a calculated, multi-layered conspiracy involving a lawyer, an influencer, and a hitman—all fueled by a custody battle that spiraled out of control.
War Zone: Gonzalez’s Jailhouse Exit and the Battle for Public Perception
Gonzalez’s dramatic exit from jail—dressed in full camo, her hair slightly disheveled, flanked by family—sent a clear message: she’s not backing down. TMZ captured the moment, showing her emotional as she reunited with supporters outside the Los Angeles County Jail. The $2 million bail, the highest in this case, underscores the stakes. But the real war isn’t in the courtroom—it’s in the court of public opinion.
Gonzalez’s legal team has remained silent so far, but Avery’s response has been measured. In a statement, he framed the allegations as part of a years-long campaign of harassment and false accusations. “For years, my family and I have endured intense public scrutiny, false accusations, and deeply painful attacks on our character and reputation,” he wrote. “Throughout that time, I chose to remain silent out of respect for the legal process and, most importantly, for my daughter.” His focus, he added, is on “being the best father” to their “safe, healthy, and deeply loved” child.
“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.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman’s words carry weight. They also raise questions about the role of Francisco Gonzalez, the attorney. How could a lawyer—someone sworn to uphold the law—become an alleged co-conspirator in a murder plot? The answer may lie in the intensity of the custody battle, where emotions often override logic. But the legal consequences for his actions could be severe, including disbarment if convicted.
The Hitman’s Ghost: What the Undercover Operation Reveals
The most damning evidence in the case comes from the undercover operation. According to prosecutors, Cordrey—Gonzalez’s then-boyfriend—was the primary liaison with the hitman. He discussed payment, requested proof of death, and even specified that Avery should be killed “within a couple of days.” The fact that this conversation was recorded by law enforcement means the prosecution has a strong case, but it also raises questions: Why didn’t the hitman follow through? Was the operation a test? Or did the money simply vanish into the dark web?
What’s clear is that the plot was real—and terrifying. Avery’s fear was palpable. His statement about staying in his house for a month, “so scared looking out my window every night,” paints a picture of a man who believed his life was in danger. The fact that Gonzalez and her father allegedly went to such extreme lengths suggests this wasn’t just a custody dispute—it was a life-or-death struggle.
Influencer Culture on Trial: What This Case Says About Power, Privacy, and Public Scrutiny
Gonzalez’s case is more than a tabloid scandal—it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked influencer culture. With millions of followers, Gonzalez’s public persona was built on relatability, humor, and lifestyle content. But behind the scenes, her personal life was unraveling. The custody battle with Avery became a proxy war, and the stakes escalated from legal battles to alleged murder plots.
This isn’t the first time an influencer’s personal drama has gone viral. But the alleged involvement of a lawyer, a hitman, and a $10,000 payment takes it to a new level. The case forces us to ask: How much of an influencer’s public image is real, and how much is carefully curated? When the private battles of celebrities and influencers spill into the public domain, where do we draw the line?
For Avery, the fallout has been personal. Beyond the legal threats, he’s had to navigate public scrutiny while protecting his daughter. His statement—focused on being a good father—is a stark contrast to the allegations against Gonzalez. It’s a reminder that in these high-profile cases, the children often become collateral damage.
What Happens Next: The Legal Battle and the Future of Gonzalez’s Career
The legal road ahead is complex. Gonzalez faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation of murder, and attempted murder. Her father and Cordrey are also expected to stand trial. The case will likely hinge on the undercover recordings, financial transactions, and any additional evidence prosecutors uncover.
But the legal battle is just one front. Gonzalez’s career as an influencer is also on the line. Brands that once saw her as a relatable, aspirational figure may now view her as a liability. The question is: Can she rebuild her image, or will this case define her legacy?
For Avery, the immediate focus remains on his daughter. His statement—emphasizing his role as a father—suggests he’s determined to keep her out of the crossfire. But the legal process will drag on, and the public spectacle is far from over.
One thing is certain: this case will be studied for years to come. It’s a rare glimpse into the dark side of influencer culture, where public personas and private battles collide with deadly consequences. And for Gonzalez, the question isn’t just about her freedom—it’s about whether she can ever reclaim her reputation.
