CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — A suspect has been arrested on murder charges connected to the disappearance of a well-known, D.C.-based photographer, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to WUSA9 Wednesday.
Family and friends of Joseph Anthony Shymanski, 51, of Huntingtown, expressed concern after the father of two went missing this weekend and has not been seen or heard from since. Shymanski was last seen Sunday afternoon at his home in Calvert County, according to deputies, who launched an investigation.
During the investigation detectives determined foul play was suspected and a suspect was identified. Detectives traveled to Reedsville, Pennsylvania and executed several search warrants.
The suspect, Brandon R. Holbrook, 47, of Reedsville, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree assault.
Holbrook is still in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition.
Detectives say this appears to be an isolated incident and there are no other suspects.
Police said Thursday that they discovered human remains that are believed to be linked to Shymanski.
"While we have yet to formally identify the remains discovered, at this time we do believe they are associated with our ongoing investigation," the sheriff's office said.
Friends of Shymanski's are not sure how the suspect may have known him, but divorce court documents show after they split up Shymanksi's ex-wife moved to southern Pennsylvania about 35 miles from where Holbrook was arrested.
Shymanski is a fixture at Capitol Hill's Eastern Market and D.C.'s Holiday Market. He is most well-known for combining fandom and Legos, with photography of Star Wars Lego figurines and various others often representing larger social issues.
He also worked with many restaurants in the District, including those run by chef Spike Mendelsohn . Micheline Mendelsohn said their family has worked with Shymanski for decades. He has taken photos of restaurant openings like We The Pizza and Good Stuff Company. He has also taken food photos for cookbooks.
Mendelsohn described Shymanski as the most charismatic person and a father who really loved his kids.
"He's just one of the sweetest people I've ever met and just really has a heart of gold," she said.
Mendelsohn said Shymanski moved to Calvert County to give his kids a wholesome childhood with a big backyard despite most of his work being based in the city.
"He made that commute for his kids because he really wanted them to have that," she said.
Mendelsohn is shocked that the smiling, lucky guy who was always willing to lend a hand is gone.
"Think the shock. I think it's shock," she said. "I don't think we've hit anger yet. Maybe a little bit. But I think it's you know, I think everybody feels like they're in a slow-motion movie right now, like a nightmare."
Before opening his photography studio in 2000, Shymanski worked as a secondary school teacher in D.C., Virginia and elsewhere.
Calvert County Sheriff's Office deputies say Shymanski was last seen Sunday around 4 p.m. at his Huntingtown home.
