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Dallas Influencer Sentenced to 10 Years for Murder-for-Hire Scheme

Courtroom scene during sentencing of a defendant

Dallas, January 20, 2026

Ashley Grayson, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Dallas, has received a 10-year prison sentence after attempting to hire individuals to murder three people. The accusations stemmed from a personal feud with a competing businesswoman. Grayson offered payments for the killings and was ultimately convicted following a trial that revealed her disturbing plot. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of resorting to violence to resolve disputes.

Dallas Influencer Sentenced to 10 Years for Murder-for-Hire Scheme

Dallas, Texas – Ashley Grayson, a 35-year-old online entrepreneur from Dallas, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to hire individuals to murder three people, including a woman from Southaven, Missouri, who ran a competing business and with whom Grayson had a falling out the previous year. Grayson believed this woman had created fake online profiles to criticize her and her company.

In August 2022, Grayson invited a Memphis couple to Dallas under the guise of discussing a business opportunity. During the meeting, she offered to pay them $20,000 per victim to kill her ex-boyfriend and a Texas woman who had recently made negative social media posts about her. Grayson also requested the murder of the Southaven woman, offering an additional $5,000 if it could be completed within a week.

The Memphis woman recorded a phone call on September 10, 2022, where Grayson confirmed her desire for the Southaven woman to be killed “as soon as possible.” The couple later sent Grayson a picture of police lights from an unrelated incident, pretending that they attempted the murder but were unsuccessful. They demanded $10,000—half of the initially promised fee—from Grayson for the alleged attempt.

In July 2023, a grand jury indicted both Grayson and her husband for using interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire. After a week-long trial in March 2024, a jury found Grayson guilty but acquitted her husband. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Grayson to 120 months in prison on October 31, the maximum allowable sentence, followed by three years of supervised release.

This case highlights the severe consequences of attempting to resolve personal disputes through violence and underscores the importance of addressing conflicts through lawful and peaceful means.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Ashley Grayson convicted of?

Ashley Grayson was convicted of attempting to hire individuals to murder three people, including a woman from Southaven, Missouri, who ran a competing business and with whom Grayson had a falling out the previous year. Grayson believed this woman had created fake online profiles to criticize her and her company.

What was the sentence given to Ashley Grayson?

Ashley Grayson was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for her actions.

What were the details of the murder-for-hire plot?

In August 2022, Grayson invited a Memphis couple to Dallas under the guise of discussing a business opportunity. During the meeting, she offered to pay them $20,000 per victim to kill her ex-boyfriend and a Texas woman who had recently made negative social media posts about her. Grayson also requested the murder of the Southaven woman, offering an additional $5,000 if it could be completed within a week.

What was the outcome of the trial?

In July 2023, a grand jury indicted both Grayson and her husband for using interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire. After a week-long trial in March 2024, a jury found Grayson guilty but acquitted her husband. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Grayson to 120 months in prison on October 31, the maximum allowable sentence, followed by three years of supervised release.

Key Features of the Case

Feature Details
Defendant Ashley Grayson, 35-year-old online entrepreneur from Dallas, Texas
Conviction Attempted murder-for-hire of three individuals, including a woman from Southaven, Missouri
Sentence 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release
Trial Outcome Grayson found guilty; husband acquitted
Details of the Plot Offered $20,000 per victim to kill ex-boyfriend and a Texas woman; additional $5,000 for the Southaven woman if completed within a week


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STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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