California Woman, Father and Ex-Boyfriend Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

Los Angeles County prosecutors announced charges this week against Gabriela Lauren Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez and her former boyfriend Kai Faron Cordrey for allegedly plotting to kill Jack Avery, the father of Gonzalez's 7-year-old daughter.

The three defendants face counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation of murder. Prosecutors recommended bail be set at $2 million for each person.

Prosecutors allege the plot unfolded between 2020 and 2022 during a custody dispute over the couple's daughter, Lavender. The complaint states Gonzalez and her father repeatedly described Avery as unfit or dangerous in family court proceedings. Gonzalez allegedly enlisted Cordrey to locate a hitman on the dark web.

Francisco Gonzalez, a Central Florida attorney, allegedly financed the operation by sending Cordrey about $10,000 in April 2021, described as web-development payments. Records reviewed by investigators show Cordrey used the alias LizardKing69 on a dark-web account and provided Avery's address and other identifying information.

Cordrey later sought an additional $4,000 to continue the alleged plot.

The supposed hitman was an undercover FBI agent.

In September 2021, Cordrey allegedly discussed payment, proof of death and the target with the agent. Cordrey later told the agent that Gonzalez wanted Avery killed and that her father still wanted the plan carried out. Gonzalez was arrested last week in Humboldt County, California, while preparing to board a flight.

Francisco Gonzalez was arrested May 18 at his Lake Mary, Florida home on a California fugitive warrant. Avery has filed for a restraining order against Gonzalez and is seeking sole custody of their daughter. The investigation began with the FBI before being transferred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office Major Crimes Division.