Influencer Gabbie Gonzalez and Father Charged in Alleged Murder Plot Against Why Don't We's Jack Avery

TikTok and Instagram influencer Gabbie Gonzalez and her father Francisco are facing serious criminal charges stemming from an alleged conspiracy.

The 24-year-old lifestyle content creator was scheduled for arraignment on May 19 in connection with a felony conspiracy charge related to a plot against Why Don't We member Jack Avery, the father of her daughter. Gonzalez was arrested the previous week in Northern California before being transported to Los Angeles on May 18. Her father Francisco was arrested the same day in Florida in relation to the same alleged crime.

Gonzalez and Avery began their relationship in 2018, welcoming daughter Lavender in 2019. The couple later ended their romantic partnership but maintained a co-parenting arrangement for their now 7-year-old child.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, tensions escalated as Gonzalez became embroiled in a custody dispute over their daughter, with her father reportedly becoming involved in the conflict as well. Federal and local investigators indicated they had been actively working the case for an extended period.

Avery previously discussed the situation during an appearance on The Zach Sang Show, recounting how FBI agents visited his residence to inform him that someone had been attempting to arrange his murder.

Authorities allege Francisco's involvement dates back to 2021 in Hawaii. Investigators claim he conspired to obtain compromising footage of Avery—including images of him smoking and drinking—to leverage in the custody proceedings.

Police point to communications in which Francisco referenced "Call Barca … never too early," which investigators believe refers to an individual named Dustin Barca. Authorities also allege that Gonzalez and her associate Kai Cordrey attempted to recruit this person to intimidate Avery.

A witness told authorities that Gonzalez claimed her father made an electronic payment of $10,000 to Cordrey in April 2021, ostensibly for "web-development payments." Cordrey later revealed to police this was allegedly a cover for a different purpose.

An undercover federal agent posed as a potential hitman and engaged Francisco in a phone conversation during which he reportedly made clear references to payments he had made and discussed details about the intended target.

According to an affidavit reviewed by People, witnesses told investigators that Gonzalez repeatedly stated she wanted Avery dead and discussed arranging for someone to carry out the killing. The filing also indicates that Gonzalez and Cordrey allegedly explored using the dark web and cryptocurrency to facilitate the alleged murder-for-hire scheme, and discussed making the death appear as though it resulted from a vehicle accident.

During the undercover call with the federal agent, Francisco allegedly employed coded language such as "bullrun" and referenced prior cryptocurrency transactions and arrangements for "payment/accountability after completion."