“Sealed with a Kill”: ’20/20′ Investigates Holly Williams & Bill Lanway Double Homicide February 9 2024

In Nashville, Tennessee, a sinister murder-for-hire plot unveiled a tale of extortion, betrayal, and deadly outcomes, sending shockwaves through the community. Wealthy Austin, Texas auto executive Erik Charles Maund’s illicit affair with Nashville-based escort Holly Williams spiraled into a deadly conspiracy when Williams’ partner, Bill Lanway, threatened to expose their affair. The extortion attempt led to a meticulously planned double homicide, executed with chilling precision. ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff takes viewers deep into the heart of this gripping investigation in a two-hour special on “20/20,” featuring interviews with law enforcement officials, friends of the victims, and those closest to the case.

The Plot Unfolds

The tragic saga began when Erik Maund, caught in the web of an extramarital affair with Holly Williams, found himself the target of extortion by Williams’ boyfriend, William “Bill” Lanway. Lanway’s threats to reveal the affair set in motion a dark plot that would end in tragedy. Maund turned to Gilad Peled, Bryon Brockway, and Adam Carey to eliminate the threat posed by Lanway and Williams. The group orchestrated a murder-for-hire plan, with Maund financing the operation to the tune of over $750,000.

The indictment details reveal the cold-blooded nature of the conspiracy, culminating in the abduction and murder of Williams and Lanway on March 12, 2020. Their bodies were found discarded at a construction site in Nashville, marking a gruesome end to their lives. The meticulous planning and execution of the plot underscored the lengths to which Maund and his associates were willing to go to silence Lanway and Williams.

Legal Reckoning

Following a thorough investigation by the FBI and local law enforcement, Erik Maund and his co-conspirators faced justice in federal court. The trial laid bare the depths of their criminal activities, leading to their convictions on charges of kidnapping resulting in death and murder-for-hire. The federal jury found Maund and his associates guilty, ensuring they faced mandatory life sentences for their crimes. The convictions served as a stark reminder of the legal system’s resolve to punish those who orchestrate such heinous acts.

The verdict brought a sense of closure to the families of Holly Williams and Bill Lanway, though it could not undo the pain and loss caused by the defendants’ actions. The prosecution’s success highlighted the collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The case also underscored the tragic consequences of jealousy, greed, and the dark underbelly of human relations.

Reflections on a Tragic Tale

Holly Williams, remembered for her kindness and professional talent as a medical esthetician, and Bill Lanway, whose life was marked by personal tragedy, were mourned by friends and family. Their untimely deaths serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of criminal conspiracies. The reflections of those who knew them best painted a picture of two lives cut short by a senseless act of violence.

The murder-for-hire plot involving Erik Maund and his associates will long be remembered as a dark chapter in Nashville’s history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of secrets, the depths of human depravity, and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement. As the community continues to heal from the wounds inflicted by this case, the story of Holly Williams and Bill Lanway will not be forgotten, serving as a somber reminder of the value of life and the consequences of choices driven by dark motives.