// Pop Singer and Influencer Charged in Alleged Dark Web Murder-for-Hire Plot

By Thomas  ·  May 22, 2026

News

A Los Angeles County criminal case involving a former pop singer, a social media influencer, and an alleged dark web murder-for-hire scheme has surfaced after prosecutors accused three individuals of attempting to arrange the killing of former Why Don’t We member Jack Avery during a custody dispute over his daughter. Authorities claim the alleged conspiracy unfolded between 2020 and 2021 and involved efforts to locate and pay a hitman through dark web channels. The investigation, which reportedly began with the FBI before later being transferred to local prosecutors, has now resulted in multiple felony charges against influencer Gabriela Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and her former boyfriend Kai Cordrey.

Alleged Dark Web Murder-for-Hire Scheme

According to statements released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors allege Gabriela Gonzalez sought assistance from Cordrey in finding someone online willing to kill Avery as tensions surrounding custody of their daughter escalated. Investigators claim the search for a contract killer involved the dark web, where authorities allege the defendants attempted to connect with someone capable of carrying out the murder discreetly. Court records referenced in the case reportedly state that the killing was discussed as something that could be staged to resemble a car accident in Los Angeles.

Prosecutors further allege that Francisco Gonzalez, Gabriela’s father, financially backed the operation by transferring funds intended to pay the supposed hitman. Authorities claim he first sent Cordrey $10,000 in April 2021 as upfront money connected to locating and hiring a killer through online channels. Two months later, investigators claim another $4,000 payment was sent after the purported hitman demanded additional compensation. Prosecutors also claim Cordrey later pushed for the killing to happen within days.

The investigation reportedly intensified in September 2021 after an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman began communicating with Cordrey. Prosecutors say those conversations included discussions about Avery as the intended target, payment arrangements, and proof of death. Authorities further claim Cordrey stated that Gabriela Gonzalez wanted the murder carried out while Francisco Gonzalez was prepared to finance the plan. While prosecutors have framed the case as an attempted dark web murder-for-hire operation, the allegations have not been proven in court.

Charges and Court Proceedings

All three defendants were charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder under Los Angeles County case number 26CJCF03024. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from 25 years to life in prison. Gabriela Gonzalez appeared in court for arraignment and was initially held on $2 million bail before later posting bond. Court records indicate she was ordered to wear a GPS monitor and was allowed to return to Hawaii, where she currently lives. A judge also temporarily restricted her from discussing the case publicly on social media while proceedings continue.

Francisco Gonzalez was arrested in Florida and remains in the extradition process awaiting transfer to California. Cordrey was also taken into custody in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Prosecutors described the investigation as lengthy and claimed the FBI originally handled the matter before transferring it to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Officials also noted in public statements that the charges remain allegations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Avery Speaks Publicly About the Case

Jack Avery later addressed the situation publicly, stating that his focus remains on raising his daughter and maintaining stability in her life. In a statement posted online, Avery said he currently has sole custody and described his daughter as safe and cared for. He also thanked family members and others who supported him during the investigation.

The singer had previously referenced the reported plot during a 2024 interview on “The Zach Sang Show,” where he claimed FBI agents informed him someone had hired a person to kill him. Although he did not publicly identify any suspects at the time, Avery described the experience as traumatic and said he spent weeks inside his home out of fear.

Conclusion

The case has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of online personalities, celebrity connections, and ties to dark web contract killing activity. As proceedings continue in Los Angeles County, the accusations remain unproven and the defendants continue to face an ongoing criminal case centered around one of the more unusual murder-for-hire investigations to emerge from the entertainment world in recent years.

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