A social media influencer from Dallas, Ashley Grayson, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a shocking crime: she tried to pay someone to commit murder.
Ashley, 35, was known for her flashy online persona. She ran a successful internet business and gained fame as a self-proclaimed “eight-figure business coach.” Her Instagram was filled with posts about her achievements, including claims of making $1 million in just 40 minutes by selling an online course. She called herself a course creator, philanthropist, and bestselling author.
But behind the scenes, things took a dark turn. In 2021, Ashley developed a grudge against a businesswoman from Mississippi who worked in the same field. Strangely, the two women had never even met in person.
In September 2022, Ashley invited a couple from Memphis to Dallas, saying she had a “business opportunity” for them. Once they arrived, she made a shocking offer: she would pay them £20,000 each to kill three people. Her targets included her Mississippi rival, a former boyfriend, and someone from Texas who had criticized her online.
At first, it seemed like the Memphis couple agreed. But instead of going through with it, they went to the authorities and handed over video evidence of Ashley offering an extra £5,000 to make sure the Mississippi woman was killed quickly.
The couple even tricked Ashley by showing her fake proof of a failed murder attempt. Believing their story, Ashley paid them £10,000.
Ashley’s trial took place in March in Memphis. While her husband was found not guilty, she was convicted of plotting murder-for-hire.
“This case shows how online arguments can spiral into real-world danger,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren. “Thankfully, no one was physically hurt, but the emotional toll on the intended victim and her family was severe.”
The FBI also weighed in, with Special Agent Joe Carrico saying, “This case highlights how serious we are about protecting the community. Ashley’s sentence shows that there are consequences for those who plan violent crimes.”
Ashley received the maximum sentence—10 years in prison—and because it’s a federal conviction, she won’t be eligible for parole.
This bizarre case is a reminder of how social media feuds can lead to very real consequences.
