Los Angeles Prosecutors Charge Influencer Family in Murder-for-Hire Plot Over Custody Dispute
Los Angeles prosecutors have charged TikTok influencer Gabriela "Gabbie" Gonzalez, 26, her attorney father Francisco Gonzalez, 58, and ex-boyfriend Kai Cordrey with conspiracy to commit murder after an FBI sting operation revealed an alleged plot to kill Jack Avery, the 24-year-old former Why Don't We singer and father of Gonzalez's 7-year-old daughter. The case demonstrates how criminal conduct during custody disputes can result in federal charges and permanent loss of parental rights under California law.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | FBI undercover operation caught alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting child's father |
| When | Charges filed May 2026; plot allegedly initiated during ongoing custody proceedings |
| Who is charged | Gabriela Gonzalez, Francisco Gonzalez (attorney), Kai Cordrey |
| Key statute | 18 U.S.C. § 1958 (murder-for-hire); Cal. Fam. Code § 3044 (custody presumptions) |
| Potential sentence | Up to 10 years federal prison for conspiracy; life imprisonment if death had occurred |
| Family law impact | Presumption against custody under California law when parent commits violent crime |
How the FBI Sting Operation Unfolded
According to TMZ's reporting, the alleged conspiracy began when one of the defendants attempted to hire an assassin through dark web channels. Federal agents intercepted the communication, and an undercover FBI agent posed as the hired killer. The investigation reportedly gathered extensive evidence including recorded conversations and financial transactions before arrests were made.
Francisco Gonzalez, who practiced family law in Southern California, allegedly used his legal knowledge to help coordinate the plot while representing his daughter in the custody proceedings. The California State Bar has not yet announced any disciplinary proceedings, though attorneys convicted of felonies involving moral turpitude face automatic disbarment under California Business and Professions Code § 6102.
Why This Case Matters for California Custody Law
This case represents one of the most extreme examples of custody litigation turning criminal, but California courts regularly encounter cases where one parent's conduct crosses legal boundaries. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3044, California law creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding custody to a parent who has committed domestic violence within the previous five years is detrimental to the child's best interest.
While murder-for-hire conspiracy differs from domestic violence, California courts apply the "best interest of the child" standard under Cal. Fam. Code § 3011, which requires judges to consider "any history of abuse by one parent against the child or other parent." A felony conviction for conspiracy to murder the other parent would almost certainly result in termination or severe restriction of custody and visitation rights.
Criminal Conduct and Custody Modifications
Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3022, courts may modify custody orders when circumstances change substantially. A parent's arrest, indictment, or conviction for violent crimes constitutes a material change in circumstances justifying emergency custody modifications. California courts have granted emergency sole custody to the non-offending parent within 24-48 hours of arrests in similar cases.
Jack Avery, as the non-accused parent, could immediately file for emergency custody modification under Cal. Fam. Code § 3064, which allows courts to make emergency orders without the standard notice requirements when the child's health, safety, or welfare is at risk.
How California Handles Parental Incarceration
If Gabriela Gonzalez is convicted and sentenced to federal prison, California law addresses custody during incarceration through Cal. Fam. Code § 3048. This statute requires courts to consider:
- The nature and circumstances of the crime (violent crimes weigh heavily against the incarcerated parent)
- The length of the sentence (federal conspiracy charges carry up to 10 years)
- The effect of incarceration on the child's relationship with both parents
- Whether visitation can occur safely at the correctional facility
California courts generally will not order children to visit parents incarcerated for violent crimes, particularly when the violence was directed at the other parent. In this case, the alleged target was the child's father, which courts would view as threatening to the child's emotional and psychological wellbeing.
The Role of Family Members in Custody Disputes
Francisco Gonzalez's alleged involvement raises questions about third-party liability in custody disputes. California law prohibits anyone from aiding or abetting crimes against parties in family law proceedings. Grandparents, new partners, and other family members who participate in harassment, stalking, or violence against the other parent face both criminal prosecution and civil liability.
Under California Penal Code § 31, anyone who aids, abets, or encourages criminal conduct faces the same penalties as the principal actor. Francisco Gonzalez, despite being an attorney, would face the same federal conspiracy charges as his daughter if prosecutors prove he participated in planning the alleged murder.
Practical Takeaways for California Parents in Custody Disputes
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Document all threats or concerning behavior immediately and report to both your family law attorney and local law enforcement. California courts can issue emergency protective orders under Cal. Fam. Code § 6250 within hours of documented threats.
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If you receive threats during custody proceedings, file for a domestic violence restraining order under the California Domestic Violence Prevention Act. Courts may grant temporary orders effective for 21-25 days before a hearing.
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Request supervised visitation if the other parent demonstrates unstable or threatening behavior. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3200.5, courts can order professional supervision when safety concerns exist.
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Keep all communication with your co-parent in writing through text, email, or court-approved parenting apps. Written records become critical evidence if criminal conduct allegations arise.
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If your co-parent is arrested for violent crimes, immediately contact a family law attorney to file emergency custody motions. California courts can issue emergency orders within 24 hours under Cal. Fam. Code § 3064.
FAQs
Can I lose custody if I'm charged with a crime against my child's other parent?
Yes, California courts will likely modify custody immediately upon arrest for violent crimes against a co-parent. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3044, conviction creates a rebuttable presumption against custody that can last five years or longer. Even pending charges may justify emergency temporary orders restricting your parenting time.
What happens to custody rights if a parent goes to federal prison?
Federal incarceration triggers automatic custody review under Cal. Fam. Code § 3048. The non-incarcerated parent typically receives sole physical and legal custody during the sentence. Courts consider the crime's nature, sentence length, and child's wellbeing when determining if any contact should occur during incarceration.
Can grandparents face charges for helping in custody disputes?
Grandparents and other family members who participate in criminal conduct face full prosecution under California Penal Code § 31. Francisco Gonzalez faces the same federal conspiracy charges as his daughter despite being a third party to the custody dispute. California law holds all participants equally liable regardless of family relationship.
How quickly can California courts modify custody after an arrest?
California courts can issue emergency custody orders within 24-48 hours under Cal. Fam. Code § 3064. The non-accused parent files an ex parte application demonstrating immediate risk to the child. Courts regularly grant emergency sole custody to protective parents within one business day of documented threats or arrests.
Will a dismissed criminal case still affect my custody rights?
Dismissed charges may still influence custody proceedings because family courts use the lower "preponderance of evidence" standard rather than "beyond reasonable doubt." Even if prosecutors drop charges, the other parent can present evidence of the alleged conduct during custody hearings. Courts consider all relevant evidence under the best interest standard.
Finding Legal Help in California
Custody disputes involving safety concerns require immediate legal guidance. California family law attorneys can help you understand your rights, file emergency motions, and protect your children when criminal conduct affects your case.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.