The search for Maryland photographer Joe Shymanski began as a missing-person call and quickly turned grim: blood in his driveway, a person of interest in Pennsylvania, and burned remains found near Brandon Holbrook’s home. Prosecutors said Holbrook shot Shymanski, moved the body across state lines and tried to hide it; the defense cast suspicion on ex-wife Heather Snyder, who denied involvement and later invoked the Fifth. Jurors needed 80 minutes to convict Holbrook of first-degree, premeditated murder; he received life without parole and is appealing. Officials won’t say whether anyone else is under investigation as questions persist.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.