The case surrounding the tragic death of Joseph Shymanski, a prominent Washington, D.C., artist, has taken a major turn with the conviction of Brandon Holbrook.
A Calvert County jury found Holbrook guilty of murder on April 9, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18. Prosecutors are pursuing a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Shymanski was first reported missing on September 4, 2023. Just days later, investigators discovered what they believed to be his remains, leading authorities to suspect foul play early on. Investigations revealed that Holbrook shot Shymanski in his driveway on September 3, then transported the body to his home in Reedsville, Pennsylvania, where he dismembered and burned it. Evidence tying Holbrook to the crime included surveillance footage of his vehicle near the victim’s residence and forensic proof linking him to the dismemberment and burning of Shymanski’s remains.
The case, which garnered widespread attention last year, reached a pivotal moment with the conviction—bringing some measure of justice in a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking case.
