Jack Avery’s Ex Charged in Dark Web Hitman Plot

Jack Avery, the former Why Don’t We singer, came terrifyingly close to becoming the target of a murder-for-hire plot — allegedly orchestrated by his ex-girlfriend, her father, and her then-boyfriend — all over a custody battle involving their young daughter.

Gabriela Gonzalez, 24, was charged Tuesday with one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. Alongside her: her father, Francisco Gonzalez, 59 — a civil trial lawyer based in Florida — and Kai Cordrey, 26, who Gabriela later married after splitting from Avery. All three face the same charges.

“This is a case where the defendants are accused of going to great lengths to find someone to commit murder,” LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a news release.

How the Alleged Plot Unfolded

According to prosecutors, Gabriela Gonzalez began seeking help from Cordrey to find someone to kill Avery sometime between 2020 and 2021. Court records allege that the Gonzalez family wanted full custody of the couple’s child, and according to one witness, Gabriela allegedly said outright that she wanted Avery dead and discussed hiring a hitman to make it happen.

The alleged scheme escalated quickly. In April 2021, Francisco Gonzalez allegedly wired Cordrey $10,000 as front money. Two months later, when the supposed hitman asked for more, Cordrey allegedly went back to Francisco — and got another $4,000.

Then, in September 2021, an undercover FBI officer posing as a hitman made direct contact with Cordrey. During that conversation, Cordrey allegedly named Avery as the target and discussed both payment and — chillingly — proof of death.

The case was initiated by the FBI and later turned over to the LA County District Attorney’s Office after what Hochman described as a lengthy investigation. One source with direct knowledge of the case told the Los Angeles Times, which first detailed the alleged plot, that the FBI intercepted the scheme years ago and that Avery was never in immediate danger.

Who’s Involved — and Where They Are Now

Gabriela Gonzalez, who boasts over 450,000 followers on Instagram and is widely popular on TikTok for her lifestyle content — surfing and sunbathing around Maui — was booked into a Los Angeles County jail and is currently being held on $2 million bond. Her attorney, Elliot Zarabi, did not return requests for comment.

Her father Francisco is a notably prominent figure. A native of Venezuela, he works at the Florida-based firm Shahady & Wurtenberger, where he specializes in international cases. His personal Instagram includes posts questioning the 2020 presidential election results and a photo with his arm around Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He was arrested in Florida on a California warrant and appeared before a Seminole County judge Tuesday afternoon, where he waived extradition. He is now awaiting transfer to California to face charges. A representative for his law firm did not respond to a request for comment.

Cordrey — described by the LA Times as a Hawaiian surf instructor — was arrested Thursday according to Los Angeles County jail records. No attorney was listed for him. TMZ was first to break details of the alleged plot.

The California warrant also cited bank records, private investigator activity, and multiple witness statements tying the defendants to the scheme, according to the ABA Journal.

Avery Speaks Out

Avery, who has kept a relatively low profile since Why Don’t We disbanded, broke his silence on Instagram Thursday. He thanked prosecutors and law enforcement for their support and said his focus is on “being the best father I can be.”

Why Don’t We released their debut album in 2018 — featuring the fan-favorite track “8 Letters” — followed by a sophomore album in 2021 before going their separate ways. Avery has since been working on a solo career, dropping the single “XOXOX” earlier this year.

All three defendants face up to life in prison if convicted. For Avery, the priority is clear — and it has nothing to do with courtrooms or charges. It’s the 7-year-old daughter at the center of all of this.