Monday, 27 July 2026, 22:49
The arraignment for TikTok influencer Gabriela Gonzalez, who boasts nearly one million followers across social media platforms, her father Francisco, and her ex-boyfriend Kai Cordrey has been postponed, as the trio faces serious charges for an alleged dark web murder-for-hire plot targeting pop singer Jack Avery. The case, which involves a bitter custody dispute over a 7-year-old daughter, has drawn significant attention due to the defendants' backgrounds and the sinister nature of the alleged scheme.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the alleged plot began in 2020 during a contentious custody battle between Gonzalez and Avery, a former member of the boy band Why Don't We. Prosecutors claim Gonzalez, her father, and Cordrey conspired to hire a hitman through the dark web to kill Avery. The plan reportedly included surveilling Avery in Hawaii and discussing making the murder look like a car crash. Francisco Gonzalez allegedly provided $14,000 in front money, sending $10,000 in April 2021 and an additional $4,000 six weeks later, to Cordrey to finance the operation. The plot was intercepted when an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman communicated with Cordrey about payment, timing, and proof of death. Avery was not harmed.
Authorities believe the alleged murder-for-hire plot dates back to 2020 and included efforts to surveil Avery while he was living in Hawaii. Investigators say members of the Gonzalez family sought photographs or videos of the singer smoking or drinking that could potentially be used against him in custody proceedings. One alleged communication included Francisco Gonzalez writing, “Call Barca … never too early,” which investigators believe referred to Dustin Barca. Authorities allege Gabbie Gonzalez and her friend Kai Cordrey later attempted to recruit Barca to threaten Avery.
TMZ further reported that a witness told investigators Gonzalez said her father electronically sent Cordrey $10,000 in April 2021 under the guise of “web-development payments.” Cordrey later allegedly told investigators the explanation was fabricated and that he had not performed any web services. Cordrey also allegedly told the undercover officer that Gabriela Gonzalez wanted the murder to happen and that her father would pay for it, according to the District Attorney's office. Using information provided by Cordrey, a federal agent later allegedly posed as a hit man and participated in a phone call with Francisco, during which investigators claim payments and the intended target were discussed.
Prosecutors also say they discussed Bitcoin payments and used code words. Rolling Stone reported that Cordrey allegedly operated under the online alias "LizardKing69" and used it to pass along Avery's address and push for a fast timeline. The arrangement fell apart in September 2021, when the contact Cordrey believed was a hired killer turned out to be an undercover law enforcement officer. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the case involves defendants who were, in his words, "accused of going to great lengths to find someone to commit murder."
According to court documents, Francisco Gonzalez allegedly used the code phrase "bull run" in conversations with the undercover agent about Bitcoin payments.
On July 23, 2025, the defendants appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court, where their attorneys requested a delay to review extensive discovery. The judge granted the request, pushing the arraignment to September 14, 2025. Gonzalez, who is out on bond with a GPS monitor, was seen grinning in court, a moment captured by media. She wore a dark blazer over a green blouse, with her brunette hair with blonde highlights cascading over her shoulders. Her father, Francisco, was arrested in Florida and is expected to be extradited to Los Angeles. Prosecutors opposed the delay, seeking to move the case forward, noting that Gonzalez first appeared in court in late May and the other defendants shortly thereafter, arguing that there had been ample time to prepare.
Gonzalez and Cordrey waived their rights to a speedy arraignment in court on Thursday. Gonzalez's attorney, Elliot Zarabi, argued that he has been on the case for only six weeks and needs more time to review the discovery. "I just received a large hard drive of discovery about three weeks ago on this case. So I do need to review everything before I can enter a plea on this case," Zarabi said.
According to court records reviewed by MyNewsLA, a judge imposed certain conditions — the $2 million bail, the GPS monitor, the order keeping Gonzalez away from her daughter and from Avery — along with a requirement that Gonzalez hand over her passport, at a hearing on May 21, and she left county jail the following evening after posting bond. Thursday's appearance didn't add new conditions or resolve the charges — it simply reset the clock on an arraignment that has now been continued more than once.
As of the latest court appearance, Gonzalez remains the only defendant free on bond. Her father, Francisco, has remained jailed while his attorneys fight a prosecution push to deny him bail altogether, arguing that jailhouse calls and relatives' social media posts do not show he is a danger if released. Cordrey has also stayed in custody; he asked a judge in late June to reduce his bail from $2 million to $100,000, telling the court he worked as a plumber's apprentice and could not afford the original amount. The request was granted, but he remains in jail pending further proceedings.
The case is being prosecuted in Los Angeles County, where the alleged conspiracy was centered. Gonzalez was initially arrested on May 18 by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office before being transferred to Los Angeles County, highlighting the statewide reach of the investigation. The involvement of the FBI and the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation underscores the seriousness of the charges.
The alleged plot stems from a long-running custody dispute over the couple's daughter, Lavender. Court documents reveal that witnesses told investigators Gonzalez repeatedly expressed a desire for Avery dead. Her father allegedly said, 'It would be cheaper if Jack were dead,' according to reports. The case has also involved attempts to gather evidence against Avery, including photos of him smoking or drinking, to use in custody proceedings. Avery filed for court-ordered protection and sought sole custody of their daughter following Gonzalez’s arrest, according to court documents obtained by The California Post.
Avery — a singer-songwriter and former member of Why Don't We, the boy band that lost the rights to its own name in 2025 after a legal battle with its former management — said in a public statement that an FBI agent had told him a hitman had been hired to kill him. He said his daughter was briefly placed with a foster family before he picked her up, and that he now holds sole custody of the child, whom he described as safe and well cared for. He asked for privacy while he focuses on raising her.
As the case progresses, all three defendants face serious charges that could result in life sentences. The next court date on September 14 will be crucial, as the defendants are expected to enter pleas. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to review evidence.
