Brandon R. Holbrook Arrested in Murder of DC Photographer Joe Shymanski
In a significant breakthrough, an arrest has been made in connection to the mysterious disappearance of a ‘cherished’ DC photographer over the Labor Day weekend. Joseph Shymanski, a doting father and a prominent figure in the photography circles, who was known for selling his work at the Eastern Market in Washington, DC, vanished without a trace. a significant breakthrough, an arrest has been made in connection to the mysterious disappearance of a ‘cherished’ DC photographer over the Labor Day weekend. Joseph Shymanski, a doting father and a prominent figure in the photography circles, who was known for selling his work at the Eastern Market in Washington, DC, vanished without a trace.
The suspect, a resident of Pennsylvania, was apprehended in relation to the alleged murder of this venerated photographer, whose disappearance from Huntingtown, Maryland, raised alarm bells last Sunday.
Authorities identified the suspect as Brandon R. Holbrook, a 47-year-old from Reedsville, Pennsylvania. Following his arrest on Thursday, as announced by the Calvert County officials, Holbrook is now facing charges for the alleged murder of Joseph Anthony Shymanski, a 51-year-old father who was a familiar face at a weekly outdoor market in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill.
Upon executing “an extensive search warrant” at Shymanski’s residence, detectives began to sense elements of foul play and soon zeroed in on their suspect.
Traveling to Reedsville, detectives from the Criminal Investigative Bureau (CIB) executed multiple search warrants. Holbrook is currently held on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree assault, and is awaiting extradition to Maryland. Assisted by the Mifflin County Regional Police Department, the detectives discovered remains believed to be Shymanski’s on Thursday.
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, in a Facebook post, stated, “While the formal identification of the remains is pending, we believe they are tied to our ongoing investigation. Our hearts are with the family of Mr. Joseph Shymanski, especially his children, in this difficult time.” Authorities believe Shymanski’s murder to be an isolated incident, with no other suspects currently implicated. Details about the murder are yet to be released.
Friends of Shymanski took to Facebook to express their grief. One friend wrote, “Knowing Joe was the same as loving him. His infectious smile could light up any room. Joe’s captivating photographs will always remind us of his genius.” Another friend described him as “truly loved by so many, touching people with his amazing personality.”
On Thursday, a vigil was held by the Washington, D.C., community while Shymanski was still considered missing. The Facebook event described the victim as a “beloved artist and photographer who had been based at Eastern Market for over two decades.” Shymanski was popular for his unique photography featuring Lego figurines. The motive behind the alleged murder is yet to be revealed by investigators.
Anyone with information pertinent to the case is encouraged to contact Calvert County Det. W. Wells at [email protected], referencing case No. 23-62906.