A Florida attorney and his social media influencer daughter have been arrested in connection with a wild murder-for-hire plot targeting former Why Don't We singer, Jack Avery.
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Federal investigators say Lake Mary attorney Francisco Gonzalez and his daughter, TikTok influencer Gabriela "Gabbie" Gonzalez, arranged a plan to have Avery killed over an ongoing custody battle over their seven-year-old daughter, Lavender.
Gonzalez, 24, has built a large following online, amassing over 400,000 Instagram followers. Most of her since-deleted posts involved providing insight into her troubled dating life with the boy band member. Unbeknownst to her followers, Gonzalez was allegedly plotting a heinous attack on Avery.
Gonzalez was arrested on May 18 by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office before being transferred to Los Angeles County custody. She was booked on a felony charge, the New York Post reported.
The social media influencer is being held on conspiracy to commit murder, according to TMZ.
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."
Authorities Believe Murder-For-Hire Plot Began Five Years Ago
Authorities believe the plot dates back to 2021, and involved surveillance, the use of a private investigator, and ultimately a $10,000 payout for staging Avery's death as a car accident. Investigators allege members of the Gonzalez family sought damning photographs of the singer. Primarily, images or videos of Avery drinking or smoking that could potentially be used against him during the custody battle.
The former couple began dating in 2018. One year later, Gonzalez gave birth to their daughter at age 17.
Now, Avery is seeking sole custody of their daughter following Gabbie's arrest. He also filed for a court-ordered protection, according to court documents obtained by The California Post.
Inmate records reviewed by The California Post show Gonzalez is currently being held without bail. She was arraigned on Tuesday, May 19, in a Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Francisco Gonzalez remains in custody at the Seminole County Jail awaiting extradition to California.
