TikTok star's father appears in LA court over alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting singer

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Singer Jack Avery was the intended target of an alleged murder-for-hire scheme involving his ex-girlfriend, her father and another man, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors said 24-year-old Gabriela Gonzalez, known online as Gabbie Gonzalez, her 59-year-old father Francisco Gonzalez and her former boyfriend, Kai Cordrey, have each been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation of murder.

Gabbie Gonzalez has nearly 1 million combined followers on TikTok and Instagram.

The DA's office alleges the three attempted to hire a hitman on the dark web to kill Avery, who is a former member of the boy band Why Don't We.

Francisco Gonzalez, a lawyer, appeared in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Friday, where a judge denied him bail. He was recently extradited from Florida following his arrest.

According to prosecutors, he sent $14,000 in 2021 to Cordrey to locate and hire a hitman. Investigators say Cordrey instead made the deal with an undercover officer posing as a contract killer.

Avery and Gabbie Gonzalez share a 7yearold daughter, who prosecutors say was the subject of a custody dispute at the time of the alleged plot.

When the case first became public, Avery posted a photo and statement on social media.

"Right now, my focus is on being the best father I can be. I'm thankful to have sole custody of my daughter, Lavender who is safe, healthy, and deeply loved," he wrote.

Gabbie Gonzalez is out on bail after posting a $2 million bond. Francisco Gonzalez and Kai Cordrey are still being held.

The three defendants, if convicted, are facing 25 years to life in prison.