Erik Maund was once a respected businessman from Austin, Texas, known for his role in the successful family-run Maund Automotive Group. However, his life took a tragic and shocking turn when he became the mastermind of a murder-for-hire plot that stunned the nation. This article provides an in-depth look into Erik Maund’s life, career, personal relationships, criminal charges, and the latest updates on his case.
Early Life and Career
Erik Charles Maund was born in 1975 in Austin, Texas, into a well-established family. His grandfather, Charles Maund, founded the Maund Automotive Group, a successful car dealership business operating for decades. Erik followed in his family’s footsteps and eventually became a partner in the company.
As a businessman, he was known for his keen business acumen, managing operations, sales, and customer relations at the family dealerships. He lived a lavish lifestyle, often traveling and maintaining an image of success. However, behind the scenes, his life was not as perfect as it seemed.
Erik Maund’s Personal Life
Erik Maund married Sheri Blaschke in 1999, and together, they had a son named Doug Maund, born in 2002. He portrayed himself as a devoted family man, but as later events revealed, he led a double life.
His marriage faced turmoil when he engaged in an extramarital affair with Holly Williams, a 33-year-old woman from Nashville, Tennessee. The relationship, which was supposed to be discreet, eventually spiraled into a dangerous situation leading to his involvement in a criminal conspiracy.
The Affair with Holly Williams and the Murder Plot
In early 2020, Erik Maund met Holly Williams during a visit to Nashville. They had a short-lived affair, but Holly’s estranged boyfriend, William Lanway, found out about it. Lanway attempted to extort Erik by threatening to expose their relationship unless he paid a significant sum of money.
Instead of handling the matter legally, Erik Maund took a drastic step. He reached out to Gilad Peled, owner of Speartip Security Group, a company that claimed to specialize in security services. Peled, in turn, hired two former U.S. Marines, Bryon Brockway and Adam Carey, to eliminate the threat.
On March 12, 2020, Brockway and Carey kidnapped both Holly Williams and William Lanway from an apartment complex in West Nashville. The victims were taken to a construction site, where they were brutally murdered. Their bodies were later found in Holly’s abandoned car.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities quickly linked the murders to Erik Maund. Investigators traced back a series of financial transactions totaling over $750,000, which Erik paid for “security services”—a payment that ultimately funded the murder plot.
In December 2021, federal agents arrested Maund, Peled, Brockway, and Carey. The indictment detailed their roles in the crime, revealing text messages, bank transactions, and other evidence proving Maund’s involvement.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
The case against Erik Maund moved swiftly due to overwhelming evidence. In November 2023, he was convicted of murder-for-hire resulting in death. His co-conspirators, Brockway and Carey, were also found guilty, while Peled took a plea deal in exchange for testifying against Maund.
The conviction carried a mandatory life sentence, with formal sentencing scheduled for mid-2024. As of now, Maund remains incarcerated, awaiting his final fate behind bars.
Erik Maund’s Net Worth Before Arrest
Before his downfall, Erik Maund had an estimated net worth of around $5 million. The bulk of his wealth came from his stake in the Maund Automotive Group. However, after his arrest, the dealership was sold, and his financial assets were significantly impacted by legal fees and the freezing of his accounts.
Erik Maund’s “20/20” Episode Number and Media Coverage
The shocking case caught national attention and was featured on ABC’s “20/20.” The episode, titled “Sealed with a Kill”, aired on February 9, 2024. It provided an in-depth look at the murder plot, featuring exclusive interviews with law enforcement, crime analysts, and those who knew Maund personally.
The “20/20” episode highlighted the chilling details of the crime, shedding light on how a wealthy businessman fell into the depths of criminal activity.
Where is Erik Maund Now?
As of 2025, Erik Maund remains in federal custody, awaiting his final sentencing. Given the nature of his crime, he is expected to serve a life sentence without parole in a maximum-security prison.
Is Erik Maund Still Married?
Since his arrest, Erik’s wife, Sheri Maund, has maintained a low profile. While there have been no public reports of a divorce, it is likely that their relationship has been severely affected by his criminal actions.
Erik Maund’s Children
Erik Maund has one known child, his son, Doug Maund. Doug and his mother, Sheri, have distanced themselves from the case, staying out of the public eye.
Did Erik Maund Attend Westlake High School?
There is no confirmed public record linking Erik Maund to Westlake High School. Most of his known educational and professional background revolves around the automotive business.
Erik Maund Update: What’s Next?
With his conviction finalized, Erik Maund’s legal battle is essentially over. His sentencing is scheduled for later in 2025, where he is expected to receive a life sentence. There are no signs of appeal, and his future is set to be behind bars.
Conclusion
Erik Maund’s story is one of greed, deception, and ultimate downfall. From being a wealthy businessman to a convicted criminal, his life unraveled due to his own choices. His involvement in a murder-for-hire plot not only destroyed his career and reputation but also took two innocent lives.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about how attempting to cover up personal mistakes through violence leads to disastrous consequences. Now, Erik Maund will spend the rest of his life in prison, reflecting on the choices that led to his downfall.
