Influencer Jailed For Hiring Hitman to Kill Boyband Boyfriend
According to reports, social media influencer Gabriela Gonzalez and her father have been arrested in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting her former partner, Jack Avery, amid a yearslong custody dispute involving the couple’s seven-year-old daughter.
Court documents reportedly obtained by PEOPLE allege that Gonzalez, 24, and her father, Francisco Javier Gonzalez, 59, discussed plans to have Avery killed, allegedly using Bitcoin, the dark web and a staged car accident as part of the scheme. Authorities claim the alleged plot dates back several years and stemmed from an ongoing custody and visitation battle between Gonzalez and Avery, a member of the boy band Why Don't We. According to investigators, Francisco Gonzalez allegedly became heavily involved in the dispute and was accused of attempting to monitor, discredit and remove Avery from his daughter’s life. Witnesses reportedly told investigators that Francisco made statements suggesting “it would be cheaper if Avery were dead.” The affidavit also alleges that Gabriela Gonzalez repeatedly expressed a desire to have Avery killed and discussed arranging for a hitman with alleged co-conspirator Kai Cordrey. Authorities claim the group discussed making Avery’s death appear to be a traffic accident in Los Angeles.
Investigators further allege that Francisco Gonzalez funded the operation, reportedly transferring approximately 10-thousand dollars disguised as payments for web-development services. Financial records allegedly showed funds being moved through cryptocurrency accounts. According to reports, Francisco Gonzalez later communicated with an undercover federal agent posing as a hitman and allegedly used coded language, while discussing payment and confirmation of the target. Authorities also claim the suspects used encrypted messaging platforms, including Signal, during the alleged conspiracy.
Avery previously revealed during a 2025 interview on the The Zac Sang Show that FBI agents had warned him someone was allegedly trying to kill him, though he did not publicly identify any suspects at the time.
Gabriela Gonzalez is currently being held in California without bail, while her father was arrested in Florida on an out-of-state warrant tied to charges including conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation of murder.
Investigation Launched Into Fatal Police Shooting In Jamaica
Authorities in Jamaica have launched an investigation into a fatal police shooting in Granville, St. James, which has sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny of police conduct on the island.
The High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force says the police officer involved in Sunday’s shooting has been immediately interdicted pending investigations. The woman, identified only as Buju, was shot and killed during a protest over the death of a 17-year-old boy who was reportedly killed in a separate police-involved shooting one week earlier. Reports indicate that the woman became involved in an altercation with officers who were monitoring the protest when she was shot.
In a statement, the JCF said it is “deeply concerned” about the circumstances surrounding the incident and confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Independent Commission of Investigations, INDECOM, and the Inspectorate Professional Standards Oversight Bureau, IPROB, for a full investigation. The police High Command said preliminary information, including CCTV footage, prompted the immediate interdiction of the officer involved. The Force also stressed that any action by an officer that appears to fall outside the law or established operational standards will attract decisive institutional response.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for St. James Central, Marlene Malahoo Forte, said immediate action was necessary based on her initial observations of the incident. The Jamaica Constabulary Force says it remains committed to accountability, professionalism and transparency as investigations continue.
Canada Reports First Case of Hantavirus
Health officials in Canada have confirmed the country’s first case of Andes hantavirus following an outbreak linked to an Antarctic cruise ship.
The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed on Sunday that laboratory testing by the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg verified a positive case in a Yukon resident who had been isolating in British Columbia after exposure aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.The passenger had initially tested “presumptive positive” on Saturday after developing mild symptoms, including fever and headache, according to British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The infected individual and their travelling partner were transferred to hospital in Victoria for assessment and testing. Health officials later confirmed the partner tested negative for the virus. Authorities say four Canadians were brought to Vancouver Island for isolation following exposure to the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, which differs from most hantavirus strains because it can spread from person to person. The World Health Organization has said the overall public risk remains low. Public health officials also confirmed that a third individual has since been transferred to hospital out of an abundance of caution, while a fourth traveller continues isolating at home.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, all nine Canadians identified as high-risk contacts are currently isolating and being closely monitored by local health authorities in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. An additional 26 people classified as low-risk contacts have been advised to monitor for symptoms. So far, 12 cases worldwide have been linked to the cruise ship outbreak.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Joss Reimer, thanked health-care workers and public health officials in British Columbia for their management of the situation and praised passengers for complying with isolation measures. Meanwhile, infectious disease expert Dr. Lynora Saxinger of the University of Alberta said the risk to the general public remains low, noting that health authorities acted quickly to isolate and manage those exposed.
Officials say there have been no additional confirmed cases in Canada at this time.
Earthquake Shakes Eastern Caribbean
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the Eastern Caribbean on Saturday morning, sending tremors across several islands but causing no reported injuries, structural damage, or tsunami threat.
According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, the quake struck around 10:50 a.m. local time. Initial readings placed the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.5, but the United States Geological Survey later revised it to 6.0.
The epicenter was located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 70 kilometres east-southeast of Codrington in Antigua and Barbuda and roughly 80 kilometres northeast of St. John’s. Seismologists said the quake occurred at a shallow depth of about 30 kilometres, increasing the likelihood that it would be widely felt across the region.
Residents in Antigua and Barbuda reported strong and lengthy shaking, with some grocery items falling from shelves. Moderate tremors were also felt in Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, Anguilla, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Martinique and several other territories. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat associated with the earthquake.
Regional authorities are continuing to monitor for aftershocks, with the UWI Seismic Research Centre warning that additional tremors may occur in the coming days as the Eastern Caribbean remains situated along the active tectonic boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Advises The Public on Flag Laws
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force wishes to remind the public of the provisions outlined under the Flag and National Symbols (Regulation) Act 19 of 2016, specifically Section 10 relating to the flying of foreign flags within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 10(1) states that a flag of a foreign nation shall not be flown in the Islands unless the Turks and Caicos Islands Flag is also flown.
This provision is intended to preserve and uphold national identity while ensuring that the TCI Flag is afforded due recognition and prominence alongside foreign national symbols displayed within the Territory.
Act 19 of 2016, Section 10. Flying foreign flags says (1) A flag of a foreign nation shall not be flown in the Islands unless the Turks and Caicos Islands Flag is also flown. A person who contravenes any provision of this Act for which no specific penalty is provided commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment of six months, or to both.
Grand Turk To Receive 4-Story Complex From Spence Security
On May 18th, the Spence Security Team held a groundbreaking ceremony in Grand Turk to celebrate the design of a new 4 story complex that will serve as Executive Offices and Suites. The state-of-the-art development will serve as a major security hub supporting police and crime-fighting efforts across Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos.
Here are the highlights from the ceremony.
Many in attendance share hope that this development can entice other entrepreneurs to consider Grand Turk as their next island of business.
Elina Svitolina Wins Italian Open
Elina Svitolina captured her third Italian Open title on Saturday after defeating Coco Gauff in a dramatic three-set final in Rome.
Svitolina battled for nearly three hours before emerging with a 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 victory to claim her fifth WTA 1000 title and first at that level since 2018.
The final lived up to expectations as both players produced a high-quality contest filled with momentum swings, long rallies and emotional moments. Gauff appeared in control early, taking a 4-2 lead in the opening set as Svitolina struggled to settle into the match. However, the Ukrainian responded by winning four straight games to steal the set. Gauff regrouped in the second set and showed resilience under pressure. After both players traded holds in a tense battle, the reigning French Open champion forced a tiebreak and dominated it to level the match and push the contest into a deciding third set. But Svitolina raised her level once again in the final set, securing a double break to take control before eventually sealing victory in front of an energetic Rome crowd.
The 31-year-old’s route to the title was particularly impressive, with wins over Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Gauff in consecutive matches. The victory also saw Svitolina make history as the first Ukrainian player in the Open Era to win 20 WTA singles titles.
Svitolina, who returned to tennis after giving birth to her daughter Skai, said the title carried special meaning.
She described the victory as an inspiration for mothers around the world and said she continues to draw motivation from representing Ukraine during difficult times.
The Rome triumph further strengthened Svitolina’s reputation as one of the strongest clay-court players on tour. She now holds a perfect 8-0 record in WTA clay-court finals and became the oldest woman to win three or more titles at a single WTA 1000 event, surpassing a previous mark held by Serena Williams.
With Roland Garros set to begin later this month, Svitolina heads into Paris as one of the form players on the women’s tour and a serious contender for the French Open title.
WHO Declares Ebola A Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases and deaths continue to rise across the region.
WHO Director-General announced the declaration on Sunday, warning that the outbreak could become significantly larger than what is currently being detected and reported. However, the agency stressed that the situation does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency similar to COVID-19 and advised countries against closing borders or restricting travel and trade. The outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. It is only the third recorded outbreak involving this strain since it was first identified in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during a 2007 outbreak.
Health officials say the outbreak began in the eastern Congolese province of Ituri, near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. The region has since recorded hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, with authorities warning that insecurity, high population movement and limited healthcare access could accelerate the spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization reported at least eight laboratory-confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with hundreds of suspected infections and around 80 suspected deaths. Cases have also been identified in major urban areas, including Bunia and Goma, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed two infections in Kampala, including one death. Both Ugandan patients had recently travelled from Congo.
Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit and saliva, or through contaminated materials. Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat and muscle pain before progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, internal bleeding and organ failure in severe cases.
Health experts say the Bundibugyo strain has historically had a fatality rate between 25 and 40 percent. Although Ebola is highly infectious, it is not considered highly contagious because it is not airborne. The WHO has urged Congo and Uganda to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, isolation procedures and infection prevention measures. International agencies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Doctors Without Borders, are also mobilising support teams to assist with containment efforts.
WHO officials say countries outside the affected region should remain vigilant but avoid panic, emphasizing that science-based measures and rapid response systems remain the best defence against wider international spread.
Tobago Police Intensify Search for Missing Child
Police in Tobago continue to investigate the disappearance of two-year-old Angelo Tobias Plaza as search efforts intensify and growing public concern grips the island.
Angelo was officially reported missing from his Goodwood Bay home around 7:30 p.m. on Monday night. However, investigators are now examining information suggesting the toddler may have disappeared sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning. The child’s mother, 22-year-old Kalifah Tobias, and her boyfriend, 25-year-old Shannon Miller, remain in police custody at separate stations as investigators continue questioning them in connection with the case. Superintendent Rodhil Kirk said police are consulting legal authorities to determine whether any charges may arise as enquiries continue.
Search operations involving police, the Coast Guard, Hunters Search and Rescue, private divers, volunteers and other agencies have continued across land and sea, but so far no sign of the child has been found. Authorities initially focused heavily on coastal searches after reports that Angelo may have wandered toward the sea. On Friday morning, a body believed to be that of the toddler was briefly spotted in rough waters off Goodwood Beach, but disappeared beneath the choppy sea before it could be recovered.
Search teams have since shifted greater attention inland, combing nearby hillsides, swampy areas, cassava fields, bushes and locations surrounding the child’s home. Hunters Search and Rescue said the search has been narrowed to specific areas based on information received during the investigation.
Meanwhile, emotions in the Goodwood community remain high as residents struggle to come to terms with the child’s disappearance. Tensions reportedly flared during search operations on Friday, with relatives and villagers becoming involved in heated confrontations near the shoreline. Residents described the atmosphere in the village as sombre, with many community members joining nightly and daily searches in hopes of finding Angelo. Several villagers said they felt heartbroken by the situation, particularly parents who identified with the family’s pain.
The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has also issued a statement urging parents and guardians to closely supervise children at all times. The authority stressed that young children should never be left unattended, especially around potential hazards.
Police say enquiries remain ongoing amid differing accounts surrounding the toddler’s disappearance.
Jamaican Prime Minister Visits Turks and Caicos
Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has wrapped up an official visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he participated in the opening of Sandals Resorts International’s newest property and held discussions on regional security and economic cooperation.
According to a statement from Jamaica House, Holness traveled to the Turks and Caicos on Friday, May 15, for the official opening of Sandals Resorts International’s Treasure Beach Village. During his visit, the Jamaican leader also met with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force currently serving in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Holness praised the officers for their contribution to crime reduction efforts in the territory, noting that their deployment reflects the high level of training within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He said the Turks and Caicos government has expressed satisfaction with the work being carried out under the leadership of Commissioner Fitz Bailey.
The Prime Minister said he had the opportunity to inspect the officers and discuss the important work they are undertaking in the islands. He also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in addressing crime, describing security as a shared Caribbean concern due to the transnational nature of criminal activity. In addition to security matters, Holness highlighted the role of the private sector in regional development. He pointed to Sandals Resorts as an example of a Jamaican brand successfully expanding beyond Jamaica while continuing to contribute to the country’s economy and international reputation. He also encouraged more Jamaican businesses and entrepreneurs to think regionally and globally as a way to grow national wealth and strengthen “Brand Jamaica” across the world.
During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Horace Chang served as acting head of government.