In a shocking turn of events, a wealthy Texas businessman, Erik Charles Maund, has been found guilty of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot involving a Nashville escort and her on-and-off-again lover. The case, which unfolded over the course of three years, involved retired military personnel and an investigation that spanned multiple states.
It all started when Maund, a married father of two and heir to an Austin-based car company, engaged in an extramarital affair with 33-year-old Holly Williams. About a month after their escapade, Maund began receiving anonymous, threatening texts demanding $25,000. As the situation escalated, Maund launched his own investigation to uncover the identity of the extortionist.
However, the investigation took a dark turn when it was revealed that Maund had enlisted the help of a retired Israeli Defense Force (IDF) member and two retired U.S. Marines, Bryon Brockway and Adam Carey. Together, they formed a team to trail and surveil Williams and her lover while providing updates to Maund through an encrypted communication app.
Tragically, the plot took a deadly turn when Williams and her lover, William Lanway, were found dead with bullet holes in their heads at a Nashville construction site. After an 11-day trial, Maund was found guilty of orchestrating their murders, while Brockway and Carey were convicted for their roles in the conspiracy. The retired IDF member, Gilad Peled, had pleaded guilty before the trial and became a key witness for the prosecution.
Maund now faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty, along with Brockway and Carey. Peled’s cooperation will be taken into account during the sentencing process. The investigation, which initially began with the discovery of the murder victims in Nashville, soon expanded to involve the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office due to the complex and far-reaching nature of the case.
Details emerged during the trial about Maund’s communication with Williams, with text messages revealing their meetings and plans in Nashville. Maund’s reluctance to involve law enforcement was attributed to his fear of the information coming out and damaging his marriage and family life.
The tragic loss of Williams and Lanway left their friends and family devastated. Williams, described as sweet and trusting, was working as a medical esthetician at the time of her death. Lanway, who had a difficult upbringing, had experienced violence in his childhood and endured the loss of his daughter to brain cancer.
The conviction of Maund and his co-conspirators has brought a sense of justice to the case. U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis expressed satisfaction that those responsible for the murders have been held accountable for their actions.
As the sentencing approaches in 2024, the full extent of the punishment for Maund, Brockway, and Carey will be determined. This harrowing murder-for-hire plot serves as a reminder of the dark side that can lurk behind seemingly ordinary lives, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
