In a shocking turn of events related to a bitter custody dispute, authorities in California have arrested social media influencer Gabriela Gonzalez and her father, Francisco Javier Gonzalez, for allegedly plotting to murder her ex-partner, Jack Avery, a member of the popular music group Why Don’t We. Documents obtained from the court reveal that the motivations behind this alarming scheme stemmed from an ongoing conflict over the custody of their seven-year-old daughter.
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Gabriela, 24, was apprehended on May 18 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and is currently being held without bail. Her father, 59, was arrested on the same day in Florida, under an out-of-state warrant related to serious charges including conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation of murder. The allegations suggest a well-orchestrated plan to eliminate Avery, framed within the context of a deeply contentious custody battle.
The court affidavit outlines how Gabriela and her father allegedly engaged in meticulous discussions regarding the murder scheme. They reportedly contemplated utilising Bitcoin, the dark web, and even a staged car accident to cover up their actions. This elaborate plan purportedly involved a network of communications with an undercover agent posing as a hitman, where coded language was employed to discuss their intentions, including the term “bullrun”.
Witness accounts indicate that Francisco Gonzalez was particularly embroiled in the ongoing custody conflict, exhibiting a marked hostility toward Avery. According to multiple sources, he articulated thoughts suggesting that it would be more economical for Avery to be dead, reflecting an obsessive drive to discredit the singer and remove him from their daughter’s life completely. This unhealthy dynamic purportedly saw Francisco take drastic measures, including hiring a private investigator to surveil Avery in Kauai, Hawaii, seeking information that could aid his daughter’s case.
The investigators revealed that Gabriela was equally vocal about her desire for Avery’s death, allegedly seeking assistance in hiring a hitman. Recordings and communications indicated her discussions with an alleged accomplice, Kai Cordrey, leaned towards orchestrating a killing, with particular plans to frame the act as an accident.
Unbeknownst to them, the authorities were already monitoring their actions. Francisco allegedly served as the financial backer for the operation, reportedly arranging for around £10,000 to allegedly pay Cordrey for his involvement. According to financial records, transactions disguised as payments for web development services were scrutinised, leading agents to uncover that the intention behind the money transfers was to conceal their true purpose.
Continuing the investigation, documented proof revealed communications between Francisco and Cordrey were conducted via encrypted messages, further complicating the web of deceit. Additionally, Francisco reportedly communicated directly with an undercover agent, engaging in discussions that clarified payment terms and accountability following the supposed assassination.
In a troubling revelation, Avery mentioned in a podcast interview in September 2022 that he had received warnings from FBI agents about threats to his life, although he did not elaborate on the specific individuals involved. The story has gained significant attention, with Gabriela boasting a substantial following of 473,000 on Instagram, where she promotes a lifestyle brand, describing herself as a “lover of life” and a “mermaid at heart”.
Currently, Gabriela remains in custody in California, with her father facing the legal ramifications of his actions in Florida. It remains unclear whether either will enter pleas for the charges they face. Additionally, it is uncertain if Francisco will waive or contest his extradition to California, as the legal proceedings loom over them both.
The chilling nature of this case raises myriad questions about the lengths individuals might go to in contentious custody disputes, and it underscores the grave consequences of violence born from familial discord.