The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged social media influencer Gabriela Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and her former boyfriend Faron Cordrey with plotting to kill former boy band singer Jack Avery. This occurred during a custody dispute in 2020. Gabriela Gonzalez, 24, Francisco Gonzalez, 59, and Faron Cordrey, 26, face charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the investigation began with the FBI, which later transferred the case to L.A. County prosecutors. Jack Avery, previously part of the band Why Don’t We, was a target during this alleged plot. Witnesses reported that Gabriela Gonzalez frequently expressed her desire for Avery’s death, even considering hiring a hitman. Prosecutors revealed plans to stage Avery’s death either as a shooting or an accident.
During 2020 and 2021, Gabriela allegedly asked Cordrey to search the dark web for a hitman to kill Avery. Her father reportedly provided $10,000 to Cordrey to secure the hitman’s services, who was ultimately an undercover FBI agent. ‘Most fathers raise their children to respect the law, but here we have a dad who allegedly helped his daughter and her boyfriend break the law in the most sinister way imaginable,’ remarked Hochman.
A subsequent payment of $4,000 was sent by Gonzalez’s father after more funds were requested, as stated by the DA’s office. In September 2021, Cordrey discussed the murder-for-hire plan with an undercover officer posing as a hitman. He detailed payments, requirements for proof of death, and clearly identified Avery as the intended victim. Cordrey allegedly confirmed to the officer that Gabriela desired the murder and that her father would finance it.
Jack Avery shared an experience from last year on a podcast, recalling the FBI’s warning when they visited his home: ‘Someone hired someone to kill me,’ Avery mentioned. If convicted, Gabriela Gonzalez, her father, and Cordrey each face potential sentences of 25 years to life in state prison.
Jonathan Vigliotti provided additional reporting for this story.