Ashley Grayson, a 35-year-old Dallas-based influencer and online business coach, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme. The sentencing on October 31, 2024, concluded a case that highlighted the darker side of the social media world, where online feuds can spiral into real-life danger.
Ashley Grayson, known for her popular online courses and vibrant social media presence, built her brand as a coach helping others achieve financial independence. However, behind the polished persona, Grayson harbored resentment against critics who she believed were tarnishing her reputation.
The targets of her ire included a woman from Southaven, Mississippi, accused of creating fake online profiles to defame Grayson, and a Texas woman who had publicly criticized her business practices. Grayson’s frustrations escalated into a sinister plan, with devastating consequences for her career, family, and victims.
In August 2022, Grayson approached a Memphis woman and her husband, offering $60,000 to eliminate her critics. Grayson proposed $20,000 for each of the three targets and promised an additional $5,000 if the Southaven woman was killed within a week.
The Memphis couple, alarmed by the proposal, played along while secretly documenting the interaction. In a video call that would become pivotal evidence, Grayson explicitly detailed her intentions. To convince her the plan was in motion, the couple staged a ruse, sending Grayson a photo of police lights from an unrelated incident and demanding an upfront payment. Grayson transferred $10,000 before their deception unraveled her scheme.
Authorities swiftly acted on the evidence, leading to Grayson and her husband’s indictment in July 2023. The charges included using an interstate facility in the commission of murder-for-hire, a serious federal offense.
During the trial in March 2024, prosecutors painted a damning portrait of Grayson’s actions. Though initially implicated, her husband was acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence of his involvement. Grayson, however, was convicted and faced the full weight of the law.
The sentence handed down—10 years in federal prison with three years of supervised release—underscores the gravity of the crime. In the federal system, parole is not an option, ensuring Grayson will serve the entirety of her term.
Although no physical harm came to the intended victims, the psychological toll was profound. The Southaven woman, her former boyfriend, and the Texas critic all reported experiencing significant fear and emotional distress. Grayson’s actions also overshadow her family and professional endeavors, leaving her once-loyal followers shocked and disillusioned.
