Gabbie Gonzalez Murder-For-Hire Plot, Why Is MMA Fighter Dustin Barca Dragged Into Jack Avery Feud?

The murder-for-hire allegations involving Gabbie Gonzalez and Jack Avery intensified after court documents claimed former MMA fighter Dustin Barca was approached early in the feud.

By Riddhika Das Last Updated: May 20, 2026 | 09:32:40 IST

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Influencer Gabbie Gonzalez and her father, Francisco Gonzalez, are currently under scrutiny for allegedly conspiring to kill singer Jack Avery, with whom she shares a daughter. The shocking allegations have taken another dramatic turn after court documents revealed another popular name, MMA veteran Dustin Barca.

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New details reveal that Gonzalez allegedly approached Barca during the early stages of her feud with Avery. However, authorities have not accused Barca of any wrongdoing.

How is Dustin Barca connected to the case?

According to criminal complaint documents obtained by TMZ, Gabbie Gonzalez and her friend, Kai Cordrey, allegedly approached former professional MMA fighter and boxing trainer Dustin Barca in March 2021. Prosecutors claim the pair wanted Barca to intimidate, threaten, or pressure Jack Avery into leaving Kauai, Hawaii, where he was living at the time. 

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Given Barca's 4-0 professional fighting record, the influencer allegedly saw him as a potential leverage to intimidate Avery amid her increasingly bitter custody fallout over their daughter, Lavender. However, no charges will be placed on the Barca, as court filings suggest the alleged plan never moved forward with him. There are no accusations against the ex-MMA fighter regarding participation in any criminal activity.

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After the failed intimidation attempt, authorities allege that Gonzalez and Cordrey began searching for a hitman online. The investigation later expanded into what prosecutors now describe as a murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting Avery. The case reportedly dates back several years and also involves Gabbie’s father, Francisco Gonzalez, who was arrested in Florida. Investigators claim he played a major role in the alleged scheme.

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About Gabbie Gonzalez and her father's arrest

Gabbie Gonzalez's arrest warrant revealed that she and Jack Avery had been locked in a lengthy custody battle over their 7-year-old daughter, Lavender. Authorities alleged that Gabbie's father, Francisco Gonzalez, a civil lawyer himself, became heavily involved in the dispute and even hired a private investigator to monitor Avery, planning to capture evidence of Avery drinking, smoking, or behaving in ways that could potentially hurt his chances in court during the custody proceedings. Reports also claimed Francisco allegedly threatened Avery during visitation exchanges.

Court documents further stated that amid the escalating conflict between Gabbie and Avery during 2020 and 2021, Gabbie allegedly asked her then-boyfriend, Kai Faron Cordrey, to help find a hitman through the dark web. Investigators alleged Francisco initially paid Kai around USD 10,000 to locate and hire someone, with an additional USD 4,000 reportedly provided later.

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Officials say Kai later began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman in 2021. During the alleged conversations, discussions reportedly included payment details, proof of the murder, and the intended target. Authorities claimed Kai identified Avery as the target, alleging that Gabbie wanted him killed while Francisco would finance the operation. 

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Who is Gabbie Gonzalez?

Gabriela 'Gabbie' Gonzalez, 24, was born in Florida, USA, in September 2001. She rose to fame through TikTok and Instagram lifestyle content, surfing videos, and motherhood posts. She built a sizable online following during the peak popularity of Why Don't We, partly due to her relationship with Avery. She is now facing three criminal charges in connection with her alleged murder-for-hire plot for Jack Avery, in the wake of their messy custody battle over their daughter.

Recent reports suggest that Gabbie Gonzalez's bail was originally set at USD 2 million following her arrest. TMZ reports that the influencer has been restricted from contacting either Avery or their 7-year-old daughter. Avery has filed for a temporary restraining order against Gabbie and requested sole legal as well as physical custody of their daughter. He also reportedly asked the court to suspend any visitation rights for Gabbie while the criminal proceedings remain ongoing. The request was ultimately granted.

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Pics: Seminole County Jail, Instagram/Gabbie Gonzalez and Jack Avery, The Garden Island, BeachGrit

Gabbie is prohibited from any contact with Avery and her daughter and must stay at least 100 yards away from either of them.

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