Overview of Dateline True Crime Weekly
This episode covers several major true-crime developments, led by allegations that TikTok influencer Gabby Gonzalez helped plot a murder-for-hire scheme against her ex-boyfriend and child’s father. It also dives into the unusual murder trial of Maya Millete’s husband, where prosecutors point to hemlock, suspicious Google searches, an alleged affair, and even spellcasting as evidence of motive. The episode closes with legal updates in the Barry Morphew, Paul Canaro, and Jared Bridegan cases, plus an inspiring segment on the Bexley Box initiative, which helps comfort children at police stations after trauma.
TikTok Star Gabby Gonzalez Accused in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
What prosecutors allege
- Los Angeles prosecutors say social media influencer Gabby Gonzalez conspired to have her ex, Jack Avery (former member of Why Don’t We), killed.
- They allege the plot began around 2020 and involved:
- Gabby’s father, Francisco Gonzalez, a Florida personal injury attorney
- Gabby’s then-boyfriend, Kai Corddry
- Prosecutors say Francisco transferred $10,000 to Corddry in April 2021 to fund the alleged hit.
Alleged dark web steps
- Corddry allegedly used the alias “LizardKing69” to sign up for a dark web murder-for-hire site.
- He allegedly asked for Avery to be killed by “whatever method was easiest,” including a shooting or staged accident.
- The FBI later got involved after Corddry allegedly contacted an undercover agent posing as a hitman.
- Prosecutors say recorded calls suggest Corddry acted at Gabby’s direction, and Francisco later spoke with the undercover agent too.
Current status
- Gabby Gonzalez posted $2 million bail.
- She is reportedly barred from contacting her daughter or posting about the case online.
- The defendants have not publicly commented, and they face up to 25 years to life if convicted.
Maya Millete Murder Trial: Hemlock, Spells, and a Missing Body
Core facts of the case
- Maya Millete disappeared from her Chula Vista, California, home in January 2021.
- Her body has never been found.
- Her husband, Larry Millete, is on trial for her alleged murder.
What the prosecution says
- Prosecutors argue Larry had motive because:
- the marriage was failing
- Maya wanted out
- Larry found out about her affair with a coworker
- They point to:
- suspicious Google searches about poison
- a vial that allegedly tested positive for hemlock
- testimony that Larry had allegedly choked Maya before
- a possible connection to gunshots reported by a neighbor
The “magic spells” angle
- One of the most unusual parts of the case is Larry’s alleged use of spellcasters.
- Prosecutors say he spent thousands of dollars on spells meant to keep Maya with him.
- One alleged request was extreme: that Maya’s bones be broken so she would remain dependent on him.
Defense argument
- The defense says:
- the hemlock evidence is inconclusive
- there is no proof Maya is dead
- other people, including Maya’s affair partner Jamie Laird, should be investigated more closely
- The trial also had a dramatic moment when Maya’s father shouted at Larry in court, calling him a murderer and briefly nearly causing a mistrial.
Dateline Roundup
Barry Morphew case
- Barry Morphew is back in court in Colorado.
- He is accused of murdering his wife Suzanne Morphew, who vanished on Mother’s Day in 2020.
- Her body was found later, and an autopsy reportedly showed animal tranquilizers in her system.
- Barry has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in October.
- His defense has filed numerous pretrial motions, including issues involving juror information and Suzanne’s messages to friends.
Paul Canaro sentencing
- Paul Canaro was sentenced in New Jersey for murdering:
- his brother
- his brother’s wife
- their two children
- The judge called him a “quadruple murderer” and said that identity would define him in prison.
- He received four life sentences plus 16 years.
Jared Bridegan case update
- In the Florida murder of Jared Bridegan, a key development involves alleged gunman Henry Tenney.
- Tenney initially pleaded guilty and agreed to testify, but later withdrew that plea.
- A judge ruled that some statements he made to prosecutors before the plea cannot be used, but his sworn plea statement can still be admitted.
- Trials for Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez-Saldana are scheduled for August and September respectively.
The Bexley Box: Comfort for Children in Crisis
How it started
- After Jared Bridegan’s murder, his 2-year-old daughter Bexley was taken to a police station while still in shock.
- Her mother, Kirsten Bridegan, was distressed by how little was available to comfort her daughter.
- That experience inspired the creation of the Bexley Box.
What’s inside
- The box contains items meant to soothe children in crisis, such as:
- comfort toys
- coloring supplies
- diapers and kid-friendly essentials
- security blankets and other calming items
Impact and growth
- The initiative has expanded into the Bridegan Foundation.
- Dozens of Bexley Boxes are already in police stations, with many more planned.
- The goal is to make them a standard resource in law enforcement agencies nationwide.
- Bexley herself is involved and helps choose items for the boxes.
Main Takeaways
- True-crime cases continue to hinge on unusual evidence: dark web searches, alleged spellcasting, poison tests, and witness testimony.
- Several high-profile murder cases remain unresolved or are moving toward trial.
- The episode balances grim legal updates with a positive public-service story through the Bexley Box, showing how tragedy can inspire practical help for other families.