Influencer Gabriela Gonzalez pleads not guilty in murder-for-hire plot

Social media influencer Gabriela “Gabbie” Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and her former boyfriend Kai Faron Cordrey have pleaded not guilty to charges involving a murder-for-hire plot against Jack Avery, a former member of the boy band Why Don’t We.

Los Angeles County prosecutors allege the conspiracy arose from a bitter custody dispute over the defendants' daughter. The group is accused of attempting to hire a hitman via the dark web using cryptocurrency and $14,000 in payments, with discussions aimed at making Avery’s death appear accidental. An undercover law enforcement officer reportedly posed as a hitman during the investigation, which was initiated by the FBI.

Each defendant faces one count each of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from 25 years to life in state prison. The defendants are scheduled to return to court on November 18 for a hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.