SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – In a surprising twist to a murder-for-hire case, the father of a prominent TikTok influencer has been arrested in Central Florida. This development is linked to an ongoing investigation involving a popular singer, according to information obtained by News 6 from court documents.
According to an affidavit, the arrest is tied to a case concerning singer Jack Avery, who was once part of the boy band “Why Don’t We.”
This Tuesday, TMZ reported that TikTok personality Gabbie Gonzalez faces charges for allegedly plotting to kill Avery. The motive appears to be rooted in a bitter custody battle over their 7-year-old daughter.
Records also indicate that Gabbie’s father, Francisco Gonzalez, a 59-year-old attorney from Daytona Beach Shores, was deeply involved in the conflict. Witnesses have described him as having a “hostile” attitude toward Avery.
One witness recalled Francisco saying something to the effect of “it would be cheaper if Avery were dead,” as noted in the affidavit. The Gonzalez family was reportedly described as being extremely focused on gaining full custody and cutting Avery out of his daughter’s life.
Investigators revealed that Francisco Gonzalez had hired a private investigator to monitor Avery in Kauai. The investigator was tasked with collecting evidence of any potentially unfavorable behavior by Avery, such as drinking or smoking, which could be used against him in the custody case.
While reviewing family group messages, investigators said they also found an exchange from March 2021 where Francisco Gonzalez reportedly wrote, “Call Barca… never too early…”
Investigators deemed this significant due to later evidence showing that Gabriela Gonzalez and the accused co-conspirator Kai Cordrey tried to recruit Dustin Barca to threaten Avery.
Yet another witness claimed that Gabriela Gonzalez had wanted Avery dead and even discussed hiring a hitman, with Francisco Gonzalez allegedly being the source of the money used in this effort.
“(The witness) further stated the intended killing was discussed as occurring in Los Angeles and being made to look like a car accident,” the affidavit continues.
Detectives said they learned that Francisco Gonzalez had paid Cordrey $10,000 under the guise of “web development payments,” though no such work was actually done. In addition, a supposed witness alleged that Francisco had paid around $10,000 for the hit job.
Furthermore, federal agents reviewed a call involving Francisco Gonzalez and an undercover agent posing as the killer, during which the suspect talked about verifying the target and arranging for payment upon completion, the affidavit reveals.
“The evidence establishes more than motive or family hostility,” the affidavit concludes. “Francisco Gonzalez is linked by witness statements, bank records, cover payments, coded communications, private-investigator activity, and direct undercover contact to an agreement and plan to kill Jack Avery.”
As a result of all the evidence, investigators said that Francisco Gonzalez now faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
A warrant was issued for his arrest out of California, though he was taken into custody on Monday afternoon at 1491 Lake George Drive in Lake Mary, deputies said. He is held without bond at the Seminole County jail, awaiting extradition.
