UPDATE: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Brutal Calvert County Murder
Jul 22
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Brandon Ross Holbrook, 49, of Reedsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the premeditated murder of Calvert County resident Joseph Shymanski. The sentencing, held in the Circuit Court for Calvert County, followed a jury conviction earlier this year for first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a violent crime, and destruction or alteration of physical evidence.
According to court documents, on September 3, 2023, Holbrook drove nearly 200 miles to Calvert County where he shot and killed Shymanski, a professional photographer known for his work in Washington, D.C., and his devotion as a father. The two men had never met, and prosecutors stated there was no identifiable motive or dispute between them. “The Defendant decided to kill Joe simply because he could,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
Following the murder, Holbrook transported the victim’s body back to Pennsylvania in his truck. There, he dismembered and burned the remains overnight, using fire to reduce the body to ash and small fragments. The following morning, Holbrook was captured on surveillance video discarding human remains near a Weis grocery store before entering the store to purchase bleach, gloves, and cleaning supplies. He was described by prosecutors as “calm and emotionless,” showing no sign of remorse throughout the ordeal.
During sentencing, victim impact statements were delivered by friends and family of Shymanski, describing him as an optimistic and kind man with “boundless curiosity” and “unwavering kindness.” He was remembered most as a devoted father to his young children, ages 9 and 10, who referred to Holbrook as “Uncle Brandon.” One of the most painful details, according to the family, was the inability to provide a proper farewell or burial due to the condition of the remains. “All that remained of Joe were tins of ash, debris, and small fragments of human remains,” the statement read. “The Defendant completely stripped Joe’s family and friends of that opportunity”.
In addition to the life sentence for first-degree murder, Holbrook received 20 years for the use of a firearm in a violent crime, and 3 years for altering physical evidence. Both of these sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence.
Holbrook has a criminal record that includes seven prior convictions for indecent exposure in Pennsylvania spanning from 1998 to 2017. Prosecutors cited his past behavior and the premeditated, violent nature of the murder in arguing against any possibility of parole. “No amount of rehabilitation could ever justify the release of such an individual back into society,” the State’s memorandum stated.
Holbrook was remanded to the custody of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office pending transfer to the Division of Corrections. The court waived court costs due to Holbrook’s indigent status and reserved judgment on restitution.
