TikTok Influencer Arrested in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
TikTok personality Gabbie Gonzalez is now facing the biggest challenge of her career: convincing a judge or jury that she was not the mastermind behind an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting her baby daddy, former boy band member Jack Avery.
According to The California Post, Gonzalez, 24, was arrested on Monday by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office in California. She has since been transferred to the Los Angeles County Police Department and booked on a felony charge. She is currently being held without bail.
Father Also Arrested
Also arrested in the alleged conspiracy was the influencer's father, Francisco Gonzales. He was taken into custody in Florida, as reported by TMZ. The gossip website indicates that the father became heavily involved in the couple's bitter custody battle over their seven-year-old daughter, Lavender. Authorities alluded that the father allegedly once said, "it would be cheaper if Jack were dead."
Gabbie Gonzalez had been planning to fly somewhere, but it was not clear where.
Plot Dates Back to 2021
Law enforcement believes the death plot dates back to 2021, with Avery's movements allegedly being monitored, even while he lived in Hawaii. The Gonzalez family reportedly sought photos and videos of Avery drinking and smoking.
TMZ added that Francisco wrote, "Call Barca … never too early." Detectives believe "Barca" refers to Dustin Barca, whom Gabbie and her best friend, Kai Cordrey, allegedly tried to recruit to threaten the singer. According to TMZ, the influencer and her father allegedly sent Cordrey $10,000 in April 2021. Authorities claim the money was disguised as "web-development payments." Cordrey told detectives that the explanation was false, as he had not performed any web services.
Federal Agent Posed as Hitman
The tip-off led federal agents to insert an undercover agent posing as a hitman. Authorities claim that the target and payday were discussed. Court documents obtained by the Post reveal that Avery filed a court-ordered protection and is seeking sole custody of their daughter. He also filed a domestic violence restraining order, requesting that the influencer have no visitation pending further proceedings.
Avery also alleged ongoing harassment and safety concerns. His filing stated: "The acts of abuse described in the attached declaration have taken place in front of the minor child. Gabriela attempted to kill me by hiring a hit man. Gabriela is not stable and not able to act in the best interest of our daughter."
Avery further alleged that his daughter was placed in a foster home after his ex-girlfriend was arrested. He claimed the situation caused him to have "fear of death, chronic anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder." In an interview, Avery said the FBI tipped him off that someone wanted him dead.
