A Dallas, Texas, woman who operated an online business has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted in a murder-for-hire scheme. Ashley Grayson, 35, gained notoriety through her internet-based business and online presence, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Tennessee.
Grayson, who described herself on Instagram as a bestseller, eight-figure business coach, course creator, and philanthropist, found herself embroiled in a disturbing plot in 2021. Following a falling out with a woman from Southaven, Mississippi, who ran a similar online business, Grayson believed she was the target of fake online profiles created by the other woman to criticize her and her business.
In August 2022, Grayson approached a Memphis woman, with whom she had previously worked, under the guise of discussing a 'business opportunity.' Subsequently, Grayson offered to pay the Memphis couple to carry out the murders of the Southaven woman, Grayson's former boyfriend, and a Texas woman who had criticized her on social media, offering at least $20,000 per killing.
After a video call in which Grayson confirmed her desire to have the Southaven woman killed promptly, the Memphis couple staged an unsuccessful attempt and demanded $10,000 from Grayson. They later met with Grayson and her husband in Dallas, collecting $10,000 for the supposed 'attempt.'
In July 2023, a grand jury indicted Grayson and her husband for the use of an interstate facility in commission of murder-for-hire. Following a trial in March of the subsequent year, Grayson was found guilty and sentenced to 120 months in prison, with three years of supervised release. Her husband was acquitted.
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren highlighted the severity of the case, emphasizing that the crime stemmed from online disputes that escalated into real-world consequences. Fortunately, no physical harm occurred, but the victim and her family endured significant emotional distress. The swift action of law enforcement and prosecutors averted a potentially tragic outcome.
