TikTok Influencer Hires Hitman to Kill Her Boy Band Babyfather

By Drea

May 26, 2026 14 Min Read

When Gabriela Gonzalez, a TikTok influencer with nearly half a million followers, was arrested in May 2026, the charges were almost impossible to believe. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, this TikTok influencer hired a hitman to kill her boy band babyfather, Jack Avery, a former member of the popular group Why Don’t We. But she didn’t act alone. Her own father, Francisco Gonzalez, a 59-year-old licensed attorney, allegedly wired $14,000 to fund the murder-for-hire plot. Her then-boyfriend, Kai Faron Cordrey, allegedly served as the middleman, navigating the dark web to find a contract killer.

This isn’t a fictional thriller streaming on Netflix. This is a real case, involving real people, a real child, and a years-long custody battle that allegedly escalated into one of the most disturbing murder-for-hire conspiracies in recent memory. The target was the father of Gabriela’s seven-year-old daughter, Lavender May Avery. The motive, prosecutors say, was rooted in a bitter custody dispute that spiraled far beyond courtroom disagreements.

What makes this case particularly chilling is the calculated nature of the alleged plot. This wasn’t a moment of rage. It was months of planning, dark web searches, wire transfers, deadlines, and conversations about proof of death. And at the center of it all was a mother, a father, and a boyfriend who allegedly believed that eliminating Jack Avery was the solution to their problems.

Who Is Jack Avery? The Former Boy Band Star at the Center of the Plot

Jack Robert Avery was born on July 1, 1999, in Burbank, California, and grew up in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. Music was in his blood from an early age. His father played piano, and Jack began taking lessons in first grade. As a teenager, he posted covers of popular songs on social media, including Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and Bob Marley classics, quickly building a fanbase with his soulful voice and natural charisma.

In 2016, Jack’s life changed forever when he was selected to join the IMPACT social media tour. There, he met four other young singers: Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Corbyn Besson. Together, they formed Why Don’t We, an American boy band that signed with Atlantic Records and quickly rose to fame.

The group headlined national tours, appeared at the Teen Choice Awards, and graced the covers of teen magazines. Their devoted fanbase, known as “Limelights,” followed their every move. Jack was often described as the heartthrob with tattoos and a deeper, more introspective presence than his bandmates.

But in 2018, at just 18 years old, Jack’s life took a dramatic turn. He began dating Gabriela Gonzalez, who was 16 at the time. Less than a year later, on April 22, 2019, they welcomed their daughter, Lavender May Avery. Jack posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “I’m gonna show you the whole world and protect you forever.”

The relationship didn’t last. By mid-2019, Jack and Gabriela had broken up. What followed was a custody battle that would allegedly lead to something far more sinister.

Who Is Gabriela Gonzalez? The Influencer Behind the Alleged Plot

Gabriela Lauren Gonzalez, now 24, is a social media influencer with nearly 1 million combined followers across TikTok and Instagram. Her online persona is bright, carefree, and aspirational. She posts about fashion, cooking, dancing, travel, and pop culture. Her Instagram bio describes her as a “lover of life” and a “mermaid at heart.”

In one 2024 TikTok video, she reflected on a Taylor Swift song about heartbreak, saying: “So many people are getting their hearts broken every day in different ways, shapes or forms, and we still be doing it.” It’s a haunting detail when viewed through the lens of what prosecutors now allege she was planning behind the scenes.

But Gabriela wasn’t acting alone. Behind her stood her father, Francisco Gonzalez, a 59-year-old personal injury attorney based in Florida with his own law practice in Seminole County. According to prosecutors, Francisco was deeply involved in his daughter’s custody battle with Jack Avery. He wasn’t just offering legal advice—he was allegedly funding a plot to have Avery killed.

One witness later told investigators that Francisco had been overheard saying it would be “cheaper if Avery were dead.” Whether that comment was a dark joke or the seed of what came next is unclear. What is clear is that Francisco allegedly took concrete steps to make it happen.

The third person charged in the conspiracy is Kai Faron Cordrey, Gabriela’s 26-year-old then-boyfriend. Prosecutors allege that Cordrey acted as the “frontman” of the operation, conducting dark web searches, communicating with the supposed hitman, and managing the financial transactions.

What Happened? A Timeline of the Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

2019–2020: The Custody Battle Begins

After Jack Avery and Gabriela Gonzalez broke up in mid-2019, they entered what prosecutors describe as a “bitter custody dispute” over their daughter, Lavender. The details of the legal proceedings remain largely private, but by 2020, the conflict had allegedly escalated to the point where Gabriela began exploring alternatives to the courtroom.

2020–2021: The Dark Web Search

Sometime between 2020 and 2021, Gabriela Gonzalez allegedly turned to her boyfriend, Kai Cordrey, for help. She didn’t want relationship advice or emotional support. According to prosecutors, she asked Cordrey to search the dark web to find someone who could be hired to kill Jack Avery.

This wasn’t a fleeting thought typed in anger and deleted moments later. This was a deliberate, sustained search for a contract killer, allegedly conducted over a period of months. Gabriela allegedly told at least one witness that she wanted Avery dead and that the killing should be made to look like a car accident in Los Angeles.

April 2021: The First Payment

In April 2021, Francisco Gonzalez allegedly wired $10,000 to Kai Cordrey. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, this money was intended as “front money” to locate, hire, and pay someone to murder Jack Avery.

Ten thousand dollars. Sent by a licensed attorney. Allegedly to fund the murder of his own grandchild’s father.

June 2021: The Second Payment and the Deadline

Two months later, in June 2021, the alleged hitman requested additional funds. Cordrey allegedly went back to Francisco Gonzalez, who wired another $4,000, bringing the total to $14,000.

But the timeline takes an even darker turn. Just days after the second payment was sent, Cordrey allegedly told the supposed hitman that Jack Avery needed to be killed within a couple of days. A deadline had been set on a human life.

September 2021: The Undercover Officer Steps In

What Gabriela, Francisco, and Kai didn’t know was that law enforcement was already watching. In September 2021, an undercover federal agent posing as a hitman made direct contact with Kai Cordrey.

During that conversation, Cordrey allegedly confirmed that Jack Avery was the target. He discussed payment. He discussed proof of death. And in a subsequent conversation, he allegedly told the undercover officer that Gabriela Gonzalez wanted the murder to happen and that Francisco Gonzalez could pay for it.

At the arraignment hearing, Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott told the judge that this was “not just idle talk.” He alleged that the supposed hitman had been asked to send back the victim’s severed pinky finger as proof that the job had been done.

May 2026: Arrests and Charges Filed

Despite the alleged conspiracy unfolding in 2020 and 2021, charges weren’t filed until May 19, 2026—nearly five years later. According to District Attorney Nathan Hochman, this was the result of a “lengthy investigation that was initiated by the FBI and eventually turned over” to the DA’s office.

On May 19, 2026, Gabriela Gonzalez was arrested in Humboldt County, California. Kai Faron Cordrey, who had traveled to Japan to visit his 80-year-old grandmother for her birthday, immediately booked a flight back to Los Angeles when he learned about the charges and was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department upon his return. Francisco Gonzalez was arrested in Florida and placed in extradition proceedings.

All three were charged with one count each of:

Attempted murder
Conspiracy to commit murder
Solicitation of murder

If convicted, they each face 25 years to life in state prison.

How Did Law Enforcement Uncover the Plot?

The investigation was initiated by the FBI and later turned over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The breakthrough came when an undercover law enforcement officer posed as a hitman on the dark web and made contact with Kai Cordrey.

During their conversations, Cordrey allegedly:

Confirmed Jack Avery as the target
Discussed payment methods and amounts
Requested proof of death
Named Gabriela Gonzalez as the person who wanted Avery killed
Named Francisco Gonzalez as the source of the funds

Financial records also played a critical role. Investigators traced the wire transfers from Francisco Gonzalez to Kai Cordrey, totaling $14,000, and linked those payments to the alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

The undercover operation allowed law enforcement to gather direct evidence of intent, planning, and coordination—critical elements in proving a conspiracy to commit murder.

What Happened at the Arraignment?

Gabriela Gonzalez and Kai Cordrey appeared in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom on May 20, 2026, before Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle. The arraignment was postponed to July 23, 2026.

Judge McGonigle set bail at $2 million each for Gabriela and Cordrey. She also ordered:

GPS monitoring if released on bail
Surrender of passports
Compliance with a protective order
A prohibition on Gabriela communicating about the case on social media

Gabriela’s attorney, Elliot Zarabi, argued that she should be allowed to “post freely about herself and about her case,” stating, “As long as she’s not making any threats to the individuals, I think Miss Gonzalez has every right to do anything she needs to do on social media.” The judge disagreed and imposed the restriction.

Defense attorney Tom Jones, representing Cordrey, asked the court to consider non-monetary conditions such as home detention or electronic monitoring, or to reduce bail to $250,000. He noted that Cordrey had immediately returned from Japan when he learned of the charges. The judge declined and kept bail at $2 million.

Gabriela Gonzalez subsequently posted bond and was released with GPS monitoring. She is permitted to travel to Hawaii, where she resides, but must comply with all court-ordered conditions.

Francisco Gonzalez remains in Florida awaiting extradition to Los Angeles. He is being represented by a public defender.

What Did Jack Avery Say About the Plot?

On May 22, 2026, two days after the arraignment, Jack Avery broke his silence in a powerful Instagram post. He wrote:

> “A few days ago, three individuals were arrested in connection with an alleged plot to kill me. One of those individuals is the mother of my daughter. For years, my family and I have endured intense public scrutiny, false accusations, and deeply painful attacks on our character and reputation. Throughout that time, I chose to remain silent out of respect for the legal process and, most importantly, for my daughter. Right now, my focus is on being the best father I can be. I’m thankful to have sole custody of my daughter, Lavender, who is safe, healthy, and deeply loved.”

He concluded: “I look forward to continuing to build a peaceful and stable life for her. I want to express my sincere gratitude to my family, friends, law enforcement, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for their support throughout this process. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and withheld judgment while the truth unfolded.”

Jack Avery has sole custody of seven-year-old Lavender. In a previous interview on The Zach Sang Show in 2025, Jack revealed that two FBI agents had shown up at his residence and informed him that “someone hired someone to kill me.” He described feeling traumatized and staying inside his home for a month, terrified and looking out the window every night.

The Psychological Profile: What Drives Someone to Plot Murder Over Custody?

From a psychological standpoint, this case reveals a disturbing pattern that, while extreme, is not entirely unprecedented in high-conflict custody disputes. When individuals feel powerless within the legal system, when the process feels too slow, too unpredictable, or too threatening to their sense of control, a very small subset of people begin to spiral into dangerous thinking.

The Dehumanization of the Co-Parent

In many cases like this, the other parent is no longer seen as a person—or as the parent of a shared child. They become an obstacle. A threat. An enemy. This dehumanization is a critical psychological shift. Once someone is no longer viewed as fully human, it becomes easier to rationalize extreme actions against them.

In Gabriela’s case, according to witness statements, she allegedly expressed repeatedly that she wanted Jack dead and discussed making it look like an accident. This suggests a level of cognitive distortion where eliminating Jack was framed as a practical solution rather than a moral atrocity.

The Role of the Enabling Parent

The involvement of Francisco Gonzalez is particularly chilling from a psychological lens. As a 59-year-old attorney, Francisco would have been well-versed in the legal system. He had the tools to navigate custody disputes within the law. And yet, prosecutors allege he chose instead to fund a murder-for-hire plot.

This speaks to a deeply dysfunctional family dynamic where boundaries, morality, and legal norms were overridden by loyalty, control, or shared distortion. Whether Francisco was driven by a desire to protect his daughter, to “win” the custody battle, or by his own hostility toward Jack, his alleged actions represent a catastrophic failure of judgment and ethics.

The Proxy Actor: Using a Romantic Partner

Gabriela allegedly recruited her then-boyfriend, Kai Cordrey, to carry out the logistics of the plot. This is a common pattern in conspiracy cases—using a third party to create psychological and legal distance from the act.

By having Cordrey conduct the dark web searches, communicate with the supposed hitman, and manage payments, Gabriela (allegedly) insulated herself from direct involvement. This suggests a degree of calculated planning and an understanding of how to minimize her own risk—at least, in her mind.

The Fantasy of the “Perfect Crime”

The request that the killing be made to look like a car accident reveals another layer of psychological distortion: the belief that this plan could work. That law enforcement wouldn’t investigate. That no one would connect the dots. That life would simply go on, with Jack gone and Lavender in Gabriela’s sole custody.

This is magical thinking—a disconnect from reality that often accompanies extreme, desperate acts. The plan was never going to work. But in the mind of someone consumed by desperation, control, and distorted thinking, it may have felt like the only option.

Warning Signs in Custody Disputes

While the vast majority of custody battles, no matter how bitter, do not escalate to violence, there are warning signs that professionals and loved ones should be aware of:

Extreme statements about wishing the other parent were “gone” or “out of the picture”
Dehumanizing language or framing the other parent as evil or dangerous without evidence
Isolation from friends or family who might question extreme thinking
Involvement of third parties who enable or reinforce distorted beliefs
Financial moves that don’t align with typical legal strategies
Expressed belief that the legal system is rigged or hopeless

In this case, at least one witness heard statements from Gabriela about wanting Jack dead. That witness later spoke to investigators—a reminder that speaking up can save lives.

Current Status: Where Does the Case Stand Now?

As of now, the case is in its early stages. The arraignment for Gabriela Gonzalez and Kai Cordrey has been rescheduled for July 23, 2026. Both are out on bail under strict conditions, including GPS monitoring and travel restrictions.

Francisco Gonzalez remains in custody in Florida, awaiting extradition to Los Angeles County. Once extradited, he will face arraignment on the same charges.

All three defendants face:

One count of attempted murder
One count of conspiracy to commit murder
One count of solicitation of murder

If convicted on all counts, each defendant could be sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, with Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott leading the prosecution. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has publicly stated that this case represents an extreme example of individuals “going to great lengths to find someone to commit murder.”

The investigation is ongoing, and additional evidence may emerge as the case proceeds to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Gabriela Gonzalez and why did she allegedly hire a hitman?

Gabriela Gonzalez is a 24-year-old TikTok and Instagram influencer with nearly 1 million combined followers. She is accused of hiring a hitman to kill Jack Avery, the father of her daughter, as part of an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy stemming from a bitter custody dispute over their 7-year-old daughter, Lavender.

Who is Jack Avery and what boy band was he in?

Jack Avery is a 26-year-old singer and former member of the boy band Why Don’t We, which formed in 2016 and signed with Atlantic Records. The group gained a large following of devoted fans known as “Limelights” and toured nationally. Jack is the father of Lavender May Avery, whom he shares with Gabriela Gonzalez.

What role did Gabriela Gonzalez’s father play in the alleged plot?

Francisco Gonzalez, Gabriela’s 59-year-old father and a licensed attorney in Florida, is accused of funding the murder-for-hire plot by wiring a total of $14,000 to Gabriela’s then-boyfriend, Kai Cordrey, to locate and pay a contract killer. He faces the same charges as his daughter and could be sentenced to 25 years to life if convicted.

What happened to the people charged in the murder-for-hire plot?

Gabriela Gonzalez, Kai Cordrey, and Francisco Gonzalez were all arrested in May 2026 and charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. Gabriela and Kai are out on $2 million bail each with GPS monitoring. Francisco is in Florida awaiting extradition. All three face 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

Watch the Full Case Breakdown on Crime and Psyche

Want to dive even deeper into the psychology, the timeline, and the shocking details of this case? Watch the full video analysis on the Crime and Psyche YouTube channel, where we break down the human mind behind the crime.

Watch the full episode here: TikTok Influencer Hires Hitman to Kill Her Boy Band Babyfather

Don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives into true crime through a psychological lens. Every crime tells us something about the human mind—and this case is no exception.

Conclusion: A Tragedy Wrapped in a Custody War

This case is a sobering reminder that custody disputes, when left unchecked by reason, empathy, and legal boundaries, can spiral into unimaginable darkness. What should have been a matter resolved in family court allegedly became a murder-for-hire conspiracy involving a social media influencer, her attorney father, and her boyfriend.

At the center of it all is a little girl named Lavender May Avery, who will grow up knowing that her mother, grandfather, and her mother’s ex-boyfriend allegedly plotted to kill her father. She didn’t ask for any of this. She didn’t choose to be born into a world of boy bands, social media followers, and bitter legal battles.

But she is safe now. She is with her father, who has fought to protect her. And while the legal process will unfold over the coming months, one thing is certain: the truth has come to light, and justice is being pursued.

As District Attorney Nathan Hochman said: “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 case continues. The arraignment is set for July 23, 2026. And the world will be watching.

Sources

If you or someone you know is involved in a high-conflict custody dispute and you’re hearing concerning statements or threats, please reach out to local law enforcement or a domestic violence hotline. Warning signs should never be ignored.