TikTok influencer’s father charged in alleged $14K murder-for-hire plot
Los Angeles prosecutors charged TikTok star Gabriela Gonzalez, her father, and a third man with attempted murder in an alleged murder-for-hire plot involving a $14,000 payment.
Why it matters: Criminal allegations from high-conflict custody battles raise legal and ethical risks for attorneys, especially when public figures are involved. Counsel must carefully vet clients and prepare for complex, reputationally sensitive disputes.
- Gabriela Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and Kai Cordrey are charged with attempted murder and conspiracy in Los Angeles.
- Prosecutors allege Francisco Gonzalez paid $14,000 to arrange the killing of his daughter’s ex-partner, Jack Avery.
- After using the dark web, Cordrey met with an undercover officer pretending to be a contract killer in September 2021.
- If convicted, each defendant faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles have charged TikTok influencer Gabriela Lauren Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and Hawaii resident Kai Cordrey with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
- The case centers on an alleged plot to kill Jack Avery, the father of Gonzalez’s daughter and a former Why Don’t We band member, amid a contentious custody dispute. According to a public statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney, Francisco Gonzalez transferred $14,000 to facilitate the crime—$10,000 in April and $4,000 in June 2021.
- Prosecutors say that after seeking contract killers via the dark web between 2020 and 2021, Cordrey set up a meeting with an undercover officer posing as a hitman, instead of hiring a real one.
- As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Gabriela Gonzalez was arraigned in Los Angeles with her bail set at $2 million, while Francisco Gonzalez, currently in Florida, awaits transfer to LA.
- Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman called the alleged conduct an “egregious breach” of both criminal law and ethical responsibilities, noting, “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.”
For legal professionals, the case illustrates the potential for criminal and ethical complications when familial relationships and legal disputes overlap, and how high-profile family law cases may attract broader scrutiny. Legal counsel should anticipate and prepare for crisis management, sensitive client matters, and increased reputational risk in such cases.
By the numbers:
- $14,000 — total amount Francisco Gonzalez allegedly paid to arrange the hit
- $2 million — bail set for Gabriela Gonzalez
- 25 years to life — possible sentence for each defendant if convicted
Yes, but: The charges remain allegations; all three defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
What's next: Francisco Gonzalez is awaiting extradition from Florida to Los Angeles for further legal proceedings.