Social media influencer Gabriela Gonzalez has found herself at the center of a shocking criminal case after authorities accused her and her father of plotting to kill her ex-boyfriend, former 'Why Don't We' singer Jack Avery.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the alleged murder-for-hire plot stemmed from a bitter custody battle involving the former couple's seven-year-old daughter. Prosecutors claim Gonzalez repeatedly expressed a desire to have Avery killed and allegedly discussed hiring a hitman through the dark web while attempting to disguise the death as a car accident in Los Angeles.
The influencer, known online as 'Gabbie', has built a glamorous social media presence centered around beach life, surfing, travel, and lifestyle content. Her Instagram account reportedly boasts hundreds of thousands of followers, with many posts showing her posing in bikinis, enjoying tropical locations, and documenting life in Hawaii.
Authorities allege the dispute with Avery escalated over several years as Gonzalez and her father, attorney Francisco Gonzalez, became 'obsessed' with securing full custody of the child and removing Avery from her life. Witnesses interviewed by investigators reportedly described Francisco as deeply invested in the case and openly hostile toward the singer.
Alleged Dark Web Murder Plot Revealed
Investigators claim Gonzalez discussed arranging Avery's murder with alleged co-conspirator Kai Cordrey. According to the affidavit, the pair allegedly explored using Bitcoin and encrypted communication apps while discussing plans to make the killing appear accidental.
Court filings reportedly state that Francisco Gonzalez served as the financial backer of the alleged scheme, with authorities tracing thousands of dollars in payments disguised as web development fees. Prosecutors allege approximately $10,000 was transferred to Cordrey, who later moved portions of the money into cryptocurrency accounts.
Federal investigators eventually introduced an undercover agent posing as a hitman into the case. Authorities allege coded phrases, including the word 'Bullrun', were used during conversations regarding payment and the planned killing.
Gonzalez was arrested in California and is reportedly being held without bail. Her father was arrested separately in Florida on an out-of-state fugitive warrant connected to the California charges. Neither had publicly entered a plea at the time of reporting.
Glamorous Social Media Image Faces Scrutiny
The allegations have stunned followers familiar with Gonzalez's carefully curated online image. Her social accounts reportedly featured sun-soaked photos, beachside fashion looks, and surfing clips, helping her amass a sizable fanbase. PEOPLE noted that her Instagram bio described her as a 'lover of life' and a 'mermaid at heart'.
Meanwhile, Avery had previously hinted at the terrifying ordeal during a 2025 podcast appearance, revealing FBI agents warned him that someone was allegedly trying to kill him. At the time, he did not publicly identify any suspects.
The case has since exploded online due to the dramatic mix of influencer culture, celebrity connections, and criminal allegations. Prosecutors allege the conspiracy unfolded between 2020 and 2021 as tensions between Gonzalez and Avery intensified during the custody proceedings.
CBS News reported that if convicted on the charges, the defendants could face decades behind bars. Prosecutors said the alleged scheme involved extensive planning, covert payments, and multiple attempts to recruit individuals willing to carry out the killing.
Originally published on Fashiontimes UK
