Family of murdered photographer wonders if his killer acted alone

In October 2025, the family of murdered photographer Joe Shymanski expressed concern over whether his killer acted alone. The story began on September 4, 2023, when deputies were called to Shymanski's home in Calvert County, Maryland, as his ex-wife Heather Snyder had arrived to hand over custody of their two young children. Snyder told authorities she had driven four hours from Pennsylvania to make the drop-off, but upon arrival, she found no one at the residence.

Upon further investigation, deputies discovered Shymanski's car in the driveway with his keys and phone still present. Concerned neighbors, Alison and Colton Pounsberry, reported last seeing Shymanski the previous afternoon while he was helping Colton with drywall work. The Pounsberries offered Snyder and the children temporary lodging that night.

Heather Snyder expressed her distress and confusion as she searched for her husband, feeling overwhelmed by the surreal situation. She later called Shymanski's older brother Ted and Ted's wife, who were appalled to hear that their brother had not been at the drop-off meeting with the kids.

Following the news, Ted Shymanski relayed the information to their sister Mary. Upon learning of her brother's disappearance, Mary Shymanski fell to her knees in prayer, acknowledging the bizarre nature of the situation. This prompted authorities to closely examine the possibility of Brandon Holbrook, a person of interest. Police discovered that Holbrook's car had been near Shymanski's house on the day of the disappearance, and he had a history of indecent exposure convictions.

Despite questions about potential enemies and relationships, Heather Snyder revealed that she had recently broken up with someone who lived near her in Pennsylvania, just prior to her ex-husband's disappearance.