A TikTok influencer accused in an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting the boyband singer who fathered her child appeared in court Thursday, where she was seen smiling during the proceedings.
Gabbie Gonzalez, 24, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court as her arraignment on the charges was postponed until Sept. 14.
Standing beside her attorneys, Gonzalez wore a dark blazer over a green blouse, her brunette hair with blonde highlights falling around her shoulders.
Prosecutors allege Gonzalez was involved in a murder scheme tied to former Why Don’t We singer Jack Avery, the father of her 7-year-old daughter, Lavender, amid a bitter custody dispute between the ex-couple.
Her father, Francisco Gonzalez, was also taken into custody in Florida in connection with the alleged plot.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Francisco had become deeply entangled in the custody conflict. TMZ reported that one witness told investigators Francisco once remarked that “it would be cheaper if Jack were dead.”
Gabbie Gonzalez was arrested May 18 by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and was later transferred to Los Angeles County.
Investigators believe the alleged scheme began as far back as 2021 and included attempts to monitor Avery while he was living in Hawaii. Authorities say members of the Gonzalez family sought photos or videos of the singer smoking or drinking, material they allegedly hoped could be used against him in custody proceedings.
One alleged communication included Francisco writing, “Call Barca … never too early,” which investigators believe referred to Dustin Barca.
Authorities allege Gabbie and her friend Kai Cordrey later attempted to recruit Barca to threaten Avery.
TMZ further reported that a witness told investigators Gabbie said her father electronically sent Cordrey $10,000 in April 2021 under the guise of “web-development payments.” Cordrey later allegedly told investigators the explanation was fabricated and that he had not performed any web services.
Using information provided by Cordrey, a federal agent later allegedly posed as a hitman and participated in a phone call with Francisco, during which investigators claim payments and the intended target were discussed.
Avery filed for court-ordered protection and sought sole custody of their daughter following Gabbie’s arrest, according to court documents obtained by The California Post.
Gabbie, Francisco and Cordrey have each charged with one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder.
