Ashley Grayson, a Dallas-based social media star and internet entrepreneur, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme targeting a Southaven, Mississippi woman in 2022.
The chilling case underscores how online rivalries can spiral into real-world danger.
The Rivalry That Sparked A Deadly Plot
Grayson, 35, reportedly had a falling out with the Southaven woman, who ran a competing internet-based business.
Believing her rival was creating fake online content to tarnish her reputation, Grayson sought to eliminate her.
Despite their online conflict, the two women had never met in person.
A Murder-for-Hire Scheme Unfolds
In 2022, Grayson contacted a Memphis woman and her husband, presenting what she called a “business opportunity.”
The couple flew to Dallas, where Grayson shockingly proposed they murder three individuals:
- Her Southaven rival,
- An ex-boyfriend, and
- A Texas woman who had posted negative comments about her on social media.
Grayson offered $20,000 per killing, with an extra $5,000 incentive for completing the Southaven woman’s murder within a week.
A Twisted Exchange
The Memphis couple pretended to carry out the plan, even sending Grayson a staged photo of police lights.
They later demanded $10,000 for their supposed attempt.
Grayson and her husband paid the amount in Dallas, but the scheme unraveled when the couple recorded calls and alerted authorities.
The Legal Fallout
In July 2023, a Tennessee grand jury indicted Ashley and her husband, Joshua Grayson, on charges of Use of Interstate Facility in Commission of Murder-for-Hire.
During the trial in March 2024, Joshua was acquitted, while Ashley was found guilty.
On October 31, 2024, Ashley was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren described the case as “a 21st-century crime” where “online feuds and senseless rivalries bled into the real world.”
Victim’s Perspective
The Southaven woman, whose identity remains private, expressed relief at the sentencing but acknowledged the emotional toll remains.
She told WREG News, “Justice is being served, but this process isn’t over yet.”
Watch the news report below.
Lawd, please move through these social media streets with caution you never know what kind of fool is on the other side of the screen.
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