Pennsylvania man found guilty of killing and dismembering prominent D.C. artist

CALVERT COUNTY, Md. (TCN) — A man has been convicted of killing and dismembering well-known Washington, D.C., artist Joseph Shymanski.

According to the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office, on April 9, a jury found Brandon Holbrook guilty of murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, and the state is seeking a life sentence without parole. He was initially indicted in November 2023 on charges of murder, first- and second-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

On Sept. 4, 2023, deputies with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home after a family member reported Shymanski missing. Investigators quickly suspected foul play, and the sheriff’s office announced on Sept. 7, 2023, that they found Shymanski’s suspected remains.

Upon further investigation, authorities determined Holbrook shot the prominent photographer and businessman in his driveway on Sept. 3, 2023. Holbrook reportedly brought Shymanski’s body to his home in Reedsville, Pennsylvania, and then dismembered and burned his corpse.

According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, investigators recovered the artist’s remains and found video evidence showing Holbrook’s vehicle near Shymanski’s residence at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors said officials also discovered forensic evidence pointing to Holbrook as the suspect who dismembered and burned the victim’s body.

“True Crime News” covered the story last year before the recent conviction.

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