If there is one thing that stood out during Gabbie Gonzalez's first court appearance, it's the smirk she flashed in court.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The TikTok influencer stood before a judge in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, July 23. The 24-year-old is accused of plotting to kill Jack Avery, the former member of the boy band Why Don't We.
What Happened During the Court Appearance?
In addition to her smile, Gonzalez wore a dark blazer over a green blouse. As the New York Post reports, she stood alongside her attorneys as her arraignment on the charges against her was delayed until Sep. 14.
The influencer was arrested on May 18 by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. She was then transferred to Los Angeles County.
She and her father, Francisco, have been charged with one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder.
Why Is Gabbie Gonzalez Being Charged?
Francisco, a Lake Mary, Florida attorney, and Gabbie allegedly conspired to kill Avery. This stems from a custody battle over Avery and Gonzalez's seven-year-old daughter, Lavender.
Gabbie and Avery began their relationship in 2018. She gave birth to their daughter in 2019 when she was 17.
The influencer once boasted nearly half a million followers. She often posted about her complicated dating life with the boy band singer. Those posts have since been deleted.
Authorities believe that Gabbie and Francisco's alleged plot against Avery began back in 2021. This included efforts to monitor Avery while he lived in Hawaii. Additionally, members of the Gonzalez family were searching for pictures of the singer that could be used against him in the custody battle.
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."
On May 22, Kai Faron Cordrey, a former college soccer player and surf coach from Hawaii, was arrested for his involvement in the plot. He once dated Gabbie, and the two allegedly attempted to hire someone to threaten Avery.
Cordrey was charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation of murder. Using information provided by Cordrey, a federal agent posed as a hit man and spoke with Francisco. Investigators claim payments and the intended target were discussed.
Avery is now seeking sole custody of their daughter, according to court documents. Additionally, he filed for court-ordered protection.
