Ex-girlfriend of boy band member charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill him

Ex-Girlfriend of Boy Band Member Charged with Hiring Hitman in Custody Dispute

Ex girlfriend of boy band member – The ex-girlfriend of Jack Avery, a former member of the boy band Why Don’t We, has been formally charged with plotting to engage a hitman via the dark web to kill him. The accusations stem from a contentious custody battle over their shared 7-year-old daughter, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Gabriela Gonzalez, a 24-year-old with a notable online presence, faces one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder in the alleged scheme, prosecutors announced Tuesday. Her father, Francisco Gonzalez, 59, and her former partner, Kai Cordrey, 26, are also under investigation and charged with the same offenses.

Alleged Plot and Family Ties

The charges highlight a purported effort to recruit a killer through covert means. Gonzalez’s father is said to have contributed to the plan by providing initial funds, while Cordrey allegedly acted as a bridge between her and the hitman. Prosecutors claim the conspiracy spanned from late 2020 to early 2021, with key developments occurring in April and September of that year. The plot reportedly involved discussions about payment and proof of death, with the goal of eliminating Avery to gain custody of their daughter.

“This is a case where the defendants are accused of going to great lengths to find someone to commit murder,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman in a news release. The DA emphasized the thorough nature of the investigation, which began with the FBI and was later transferred to his office for prosecution.

The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of social media in the couple’s relationship. Gonzalez, who maintains over 450,000 followers on Instagram, was being held in a Los Angeles-area detention facility on Thursday with a $2 million bond. Her attorney, Elliot Zarabi, has not yet commented on the charges. Meanwhile, her father was arrested in Florida and is awaiting extradition, currently detained in Seminole County jail. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation to address the accusations on his behalf.

Undercover Evidence and Financial Transactions

Two months after the initial funding, Cordrey allegedly arranged additional payments from Francisco Gonzalez to the supposed hitman. Prosecutors detailed that in September 2021, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a killer engaged in conversations with Cordrey about the murder-for-hire scheme. During these exchanges, Cordrey reportedly confirmed Avery’s identity as the target and outlined the terms of the contract, including the required payment and verification of the victim’s death.

The FBI’s involvement in the investigation underscores the seriousness of the case. Law enforcement officials stated that the case began as a routine inquiry but escalated when evidence of a coordinated effort to hire a hitman emerged. The dark web’s role in facilitating the plot adds a modern twist to the crime, with Gonzalez allegedly using encrypted platforms to communicate with the hired killer. The financial transactions, totaling over $14,000, were managed through Cordrey, who acted as an intermediary between her and the hitman.

Impact on the Boy Band and Public Perception

Avery, who was part of the popular boy band Why Don’t We, expressed gratitude toward prosecutors and law enforcement for their support in the case. In an Instagram post shared on Thursday, he stated that his priority is “being the best father I can be” despite the accusations against his ex-girlfriend. The band, known for their debut album released in 2018 and a follow-up in 2021, has since disbanded, with Avery pursuing a solo career. His recent single, “XOXOX,” reflects a shift in focus from music to personal matters following the incident.

The case has sparked public interest, particularly because of the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. Gonzalez’s social media activity has been scrutinized, with her online influence potentially complicating the narrative. Prosecutors have not disclosed specific details about the hitman’s identity, but the evidence suggests that the plan was well-organized and executed with meticulous care. The charges against all three defendants could result in life imprisonment if proven guilty, marking a significant legal consequence for their actions.

Background on the Defendants

Gabriela Gonzalez, the primary suspect, is described as a young woman with a vibrant digital footprint. Her Instagram account, which has garnered a large following, has been a focal point for both supporters and critics. The bond set for her arrest reflects the severity of the alleged crime, with the $2 million amount indicating the prosecution’s confidence in the case’s strength. Cordrey, who has been arrested and is also facing a $2 million bail, has no attorney listed in jail records, raising questions about his preparedness for the trial.

Francois Gonzalez, the father, was apprehended in Florida, where he is now held in custody. The legal process for his extradition is ongoing, and his absence of an attorney could affect his defense strategy. The DA’s office has not yet commented on whether the father has legal representation to handle the charges. The case has also highlighted the potential role of family dynamics in criminal behavior, with each defendant accused of playing a distinct part in the plot to kill Avery.

Broader Implications of the Case

The incident has raised concerns about the intersection of personal relationships and criminal intent. While custody disputes are common in divorce cases, the use of a hitman to resolve such conflicts is rare. Prosecutors argue that the defendants’ actions demonstrate a willingness to take extreme measures, including leveraging the dark web and financial transactions, to achieve their goal. The case may set a precedent for similar charges involving high-profile individuals and their personal networks.

Avery’s public statement has provided insight into his emotional state, emphasizing his commitment to his daughter. The Instagram post, which was shared alongside the news of his ex-girlfriend’s arrest, underscores the personal stakes involved in the case. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the alleged plan to eliminate Avery and the broader implications of such a crime in a celebrity context. The case also serves as a reminder of how technology, such as the dark web, can be used to orchestrate acts of violence with minimal detection.

Conclusion and Future Steps

With all three defendants now under arrest, the next phase of the case will involve legal hearings and potential trials. The evidence presented so far includes testimonies, financial records, and communications with the undercover officer. The DA’s office has indicated that the investigation is complete, and the charges are based on substantial findings. As the trial approaches, public and media attention will likely intensify, focusing on the details of the plot and the lives of those involved.

The case has also sparked conversations about the role of social media in modern relationships and the potential for online platforms to become tools for criminal activity. Gonzalez’s large following has added a layer of complexity to the narrative, with her actions now scrutinized through the lens of both personal and public influence. The legal system will determine whether the allegations hold up under scrutiny, and the outcome could have lasting effects on the defendants’ lives and careers.