murder
Daniel Seavey, Jonah Marais, Jack Avery, Zach Herron, and Corbyn Besson of Why Don't We at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards held at Shrine Auditorium on March 22, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Billboard/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Man Charged With Attempted Murder of Boy Band Singer

A former college soccer player and surf coach from Hawaii was arrested as part of a murder-for-hire plot involving a boy band singer.

A former college soccer player and surf coach from Hawaii was arrested on May 22 as part of a murder-for-hire plot involving a boy band singer.

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As reported by WFTV, Kai Faron Cordrey is being charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation of murder. The intended target was Jack Avery, the former member of the group Why Don't We. 

A Complicated Murder Plot

As we reported last week, Lake Mary, Florida, attorney Francisco Gonzalez and his daughter, TikTok influencer Gabriela "Gabbie" Gonzalez, conspired to murder Avery. It stemmed from a custody battle over Avery and Gonzalez's seven-year-old daughter.

The 24-year-old Gabriela, who had nearly half a million followers, posted about her complicated dating life with Avery. Most of those posts have now been deleted. 

On May 18, Gabriela was arrested by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office and later transferred to Los Angeles County custody. She is being charged with conspiracy to commit murder. 

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, one witness told investigators that Francisco allegedly once said, "It would be cheaper if Jack were dead."

How Does Cordrey Fit In?

During the period when the alleged conspiracy was being planned, Cordrey was dating Gabriela. Gabriela and Avery began their relationship in 2018, and Gabriela gave birth to their daughter in 2019 when she was 17.

However, authorities believe that the alleged plot against Avery began back in 2021. Members of the Gonzalez family were looking for photos of the singer to use against him in a custody battle.

In light of Gabriela's arrest, Avery is now seeking sole custody of their daughter, according to court documents. Additionally, he has filed for a court-ordered protection. 

Gabriela is currently being held without bail. She was arraigned on Tuesday, May 19, in a Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Francisco remains in custody at the Seminole County Jail awaiting extradition to California.