AceShowbiz - Jack Avery of Why Don’t We is at the center of a shocking legal case as his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Lauren Gonzalez, has been charged with orchestrating a hitman plot against him amid a contested child custody dispute.

According to a statement released on May 19 by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Gabriela is accused of enlisting her then-boyfriend, Kai Faron Cordrey, to arrange a murder-for-hire against Jack Avery. This alleged plan unfolded between 2020 and 2021 during a custody battle over their seven-year-old daughter.

The D.A.’s office detailed that Gabriela’s father, Francisco Gonzalez, is implicated for financially supporting the scheme. He reportedly sent Cordrey $14,000 to find, hire, and pay a hitman to carry out the murder.

In September 2021, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman engaged with Cordrey to discuss the murder plan, the release states. Cordrey allegedly confirmed Avery as the target, negotiated payment, and requested proof of the killing. He later communicated that Gabriela was the mastermind behind the plot and that Francisco was willing to cover the costs.

Both Gabriela and Francisco were scheduled to appear in court in Los Angeles on May 19. Francisco, arrested in Florida, is awaiting extradition. Along with Cordrey, all three face serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. Convictions could lead to sentences ranging from 25 years to life in state prison.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the allegations. He said, "This was a lengthy investigation that was initiated by the FBI and eventually turned over to our office, resulting in criminal charges being filed today." Hochman added, "Most fathers raise their children to respect the law, but here we have a dad who allegedly helped his daughter and her boyfriend break the law in the most sinister way imaginable."

On the same day, Avery filed a petition in Los Angeles court requesting a restraining order against Gabriela. He stated that in 2021, he was informed by the FBI about the murder-for-hire plot. His court documents claimed, "In 2025, I am informed and thereon believe the FBI turned the case over to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office and identified GABRIELA, GABRIELA's father Francisco Gonzalez, and her ex-boyfriend, Kai Cordrey as co-conspirators in a plot to have me killed."

The petition also mentioned that on May 15, Avery was notified of Gabriela’s arrest and that their daughter had been removed from her custody and placed with a foster family. Following this, he traveled to Northern California to pick up their child. He is seeking sole legal custody with no visitation rights granted to Gabriela.

The prosecution of this murder-for-hire case is being managed by L.A. Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott from the major crimes division. The investigation remains active with further developments expected.

Representatives for Avery declined to comment on the case. Efforts to contact Gabriela, Francisco, and Cordrey were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Why Don’t We, the pop group Avery was formerly part of, was formed in 2016 and released two studio albums. However, the band became embroiled in a lengthy and multifaceted legal battle with their former management company, Signature Entertainment.

In 2021, Signature sued the band members for anticipatory breach of contract and defamation. Prior to the lawsuit, the band accused Signature co-founder David Loeffler, then their manager, of abusive behavior including verbal abuse and restricting their food intake.

Due to the legal turmoil, Why Don’t We announced a hiatus in 2022 and canceled their planned concert tour. The band also received a cease and desist letter from Signature barring them from entering into agreements with promoters or venues, which severely impacted their career activities.

Following a trial last year, four members of the band, including Avery, were ordered to pay a symbolic $1 each to their former management as damages. Additionally, they were prohibited from using the band’s name going forward.

This latest criminal case involving Avery’s ex and her family adds a troubling chapter to the already complex story surrounding the singer and his former band. The legal proceedings and custody disputes continue to unfold, drawing significant public and media attention.