Influencer Gabbie Gonzalez was arrested on 15 May 2026 in connection with a shocking alleged murder-for-hire scheme targeting her ex-boyfriend, musician Jack Avery. The case, unfolding in California, has drawn widespread media attention, particularly due to the involvement of family dynamics and the sensitive issue of child custody.
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Gonzalez was initially taken into custody in Humboldt County before being transferred to Los Angeles County three days later. Court documents unveiled by PEOPLE indicate that both Gonzalez and her father, Francisco Gonzalez, orchestrated a plan to have Avery killed, which was purportedly motivated by a protracted custody dispute involving their seven-year-old daughter. The revelations have shocked fans and the public alike, given the influencer’s prominent online presence.
The origins of the alleged plot can be traced back to a difficult co-parenting relationship. In September 2025, Avery recounted during an interview on the Zach Sang Show how he had been threatened, noting that the FBI had warned him of a potential plot against his life. Although he did not reveal the identities of any suspects at the time, he expressed his bewilderment over the motives behind such threats.
According to the affidavit obtained, Gabbie’s problems with Jack stemmed from an ongoing custody battle that escalated in hostility. Prior to the arrest, Avery described the co-parenting situation as strained but acknowledged attempts at reconciliation. He noted that while they had experienced significant friction after their split, he was optimistic that their relationship was improving.
Witnesses involved in the investigation claimed that Francisco Gonzalez became overly involved in the custody matter, allegedly trying to undermine Avery’s position as a father. One witness recounted that Francisco made remarks suggesting it would be “cheaper” if Avery were dead, raising troubling questions regarding the family’s motives.
The investigation took a dramatic turn as authorities pieced together the alleged plan through witness testimonies and financial records. It emerged that Gabbie had expressed a desire for Avery to be eliminated, reportedly discussing the logistics of hiring a hitman, including conversations about using cryptocurrency and the dark web. According to the court filings, Gabbie and a co-conspirator named Kai Cordrey had even devised a strategy to stage Avery’s death as a car accident in Los Angeles.
Financial transactions further implicated those involved in the alleged scheme. Gabbie reportedly indicated that Cordrey had been compensated for his role, with Francisco allegedly transferring around $10,000 potentially allocated for the hit. Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that these payments were disguised as legitimate expenses for web development, despite claims that no such work had been done.
The situation escalated when Francisco reportedly engaged in discussions with an undercover federal agent, who was posing as a hitman. During those conversations, Francisco used coded language to refer to the murder plot and discussed payment options using cryptocurrency, exhibiting a level of planning that has alarmed law enforcement officials.
Gabbie Gonzalez made an initial court appearance on 19 May, where she did not enter a plea. Her attorney requested additional time to review the substantial evidence amassed by investigators. A judge subsequently established her bail at an extraordinary £2 million, alongside strict conditions preventing her from contacting both Avery and their child, as well as maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards from them.
Alongside Gabbie, Francisco Gonzalez and Cordrey were charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. Their arrests add layers of complexity to the already fraught situation, revealing familial conflicts intensified by a desperate custody battle.
As the case continues to develop, many are left pondering the ramifications of such extreme actions and the impact it has on all parties involved, particularly the young child caught in the middle of this alarming scenario. Gabbie Gonzalez’s next court date is set for 21 May, with many watching closely to see how this extraordinary series of events unfolds.