On November 7, 2024, Fred Maier, 83, and his wife, Peggy Maier, 77, were tragically killed at their home in Holliday, Texas. The couple was found deceased from gunshot wounds, leading to an extensive law enforcement response.
The incident began when authorities received a distress call reporting the shooting deaths of Fred and Peggy Maier. Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Corey Robert Drake of Wichita Falls, Texas. Drake, the grandson of the victims, fired upon law enforcement officers before barricading himself inside a metal barn on the property. This initiated a standoff that lasted approximately eight hours.
During the standoff, law enforcement agencies, including SWAT teams and the Texas Department of Public Safety, attempted various tactics to negotiate with Drake and bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. Despite these efforts, Drake remained uncooperative, and the situation escalated when he aimed his weapon at officers. In response, law enforcement officers fired upon Drake, resulting in his death. The standoff concluded shortly after 10 p.m.
The tragic deaths of Fred and Peggy Maier, along with their grandson, Corey Drake, have deeply affected the Holliday community. Fred Maier was a respected figure, known for his contributions as a mathematics educator and his service as the fire chief of the Holliday Volunteer Fire Department in the 1970s. Peggy Maier was cherished for her dedication to genealogy, crafting, and her involvement in charitable activities. The community continues to mourn the loss of the couple, whose lives were marked by service, faith, and a commitment to helping others.
