My Uncle Joe's Murder

Summary

---

48 Hours – "My Uncle Joe’s Murder"

Podcast Summary
Host: CBS News (Narrator/Reporter, Nikki Battiste)
Date: October 20, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode investigates the complex, suspicious murder of celebrated photographer Joe Szymanski, focusing on the contentious aftermath, investigative twists, and deep family suspicions. Through interviews and riveting courtroom drama, the episode explores the roles of Joe’s ex-wife Heather Snyder and her former boyfriend, Brandon Holbrooke, who stood trial for the murder, while lingering questions of justice, motivation, and truth persist.

---

Main Story Overview

The murder of Joe Szymanski, a beloved D.C. teacher and photographer, started as a missing-persons case before taking a dramatic turn to homicide. Brandon Holbrooke, ex-boyfriend of Joe’s ex-wife Heather Snyder, was arrested and ultimately convicted, but suspicions around Heather's role lingered, raising questions about motive, manipulation, and whether true justice was served. The episode blends interviews, police evidence, court testimony, and fraught family dynamics.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Joe Szymanski's Disappearance and Initial Discovery

• [02:04] Heather Snyder, Joe’s ex-wife, shares fond yet candid recollections of Joe: "His creativity made his photography so special... his sense of humor was unmatched."
• [02:49] The night Joe went missing, Heather was returning their two children for custody exchange, but Joe was nowhere to be found. His car, phone, and wallet were still at the house:
  • "We all knew Joe wasn't missing. We all knew Joe was gone." – Heather Snyder [03:08]
• [05:12] The search began on September 4, 2023, at Joe’s Maryland home. Neighbors and authorities noted irregularities, including blood in the driveway the following morning.

2. Familial and Relationship Turmoil

• Interviews and background reveal a turbulent, acrimonious divorce between Heather and Joe:
  • "It was very contentious. So there was a lot of arguing. Specifically the drop-off location for the kids was their biggest argument." – Heather Snyder [06:50]
• Joe had recently gained primary custody, and Heather's alimony settlement was reduced, possibly affecting motives ([18:01], [27:37]).
• Joe’s family and friends characterize Heather as manipulative, while she denies such accusations and recounts feeling emotionally and physically abused:
  • "Joe's attention was just on those two children. It was almost obsessive to a degree." – Heather Snyder [16:07]
  • "She was never after Joe's money," counters Heather, instead blaming marital collapse on Joe ([15:51]-[16:07]).

3. The Evidence Trail – Brandon Holbrooke

• [09:35] Focus shifts to Heather's ex-boyfriend, Brandon Holbrooke, after police discover his license plate near Joe’s home the day of Joe's disappearance.
• [11:55] Police describe a foul odor emanating from Holbrooke’s truck:
  • "This truck reeks, man. That smells terrible. Yeah, it smelled like death." – Investigator [11:55]
• [12:50] Glove, sheeting, human blood (later found to be animal), and suspicious cleaning tools are seized.
• [13:49] A jawbone and other burned human remains are discovered near Holbrooke’s Pennsylvania residence; later matched to Joe by forensics [19:12].

4. Lingering Doubts, Theories, and Family Suspicion

• Joe’s family and friends question whether Heather Snyder orchestrated or inspired the killing:
  • "I do not believe that Brandon Holbrooke is the only person involved... Heather Snyder is the common denominator." – Joe’s sibling [21:06]
• Family finds Heather’s quick 911 call and delayed family notification suspect ([22:36]-[22:49]), and debate whether her actions following Joe’s disappearance were staged.
• “You think Heather Snyder was the mastermind? Yes. Was there any doubt? No.” – Interviewee [23:51]

5. Trial and Courtroom Drama

• Brandon Holbrooke’s trial (March 2025) spotlights competing narratives:
  • Prosecution: Holbrooke shot Joe in Maryland, transported and incinerated the body, motivated by his relationship with Heather [26:42-27:16]
  • Defense: Points finger at Heather, who is mentioned over 400 times during the trial; argues Heather had the only clear motive—a fraught custody battle and a million-dollar policy for the kids [27:37].
  • Suggests Heather and Holbrooke remained in contact, contradicting her statements to police.
• [32:12] Heather refuses to testify, pleading the Fifth Amendment, fueling speculation:
  • “That a truthful answer could tend to incriminate her.” – Defense [32:12]
• [32:49] Heather’s alibi—surveillance video places her in Pennsylvania, but defense asserts she could still have abetted the crime.

6. Text Messages, Motive, and Manipulation

• Text evidence between Heather and Holbrooke is presented:
  • “I have other solutions in mind, but probably not the best way to go.” – Holbrooke to Heather [29:29]
  • “I keep thinking karma is going to catch up with him, but I’m tired of being patient.” – Heather text about Joe [31:14]
• Defense uses these texts to suggest conspiracy or inducement; prosecution says they show only pre-existing animosity.

7. Aftermath, Appeal, and Unanswered Questions

• Jury convicts Holbrooke for first-degree premeditated murder in 80 minutes ([34:09]), though many, including Joe’s loved ones, feel Heather was never properly investigated [34:51].
• Sentencing includes emotional statements from the family and the judge notes "the book is not closed."
• Heather denies involvement in repeat interviews:
  • “Did you ever say to Brandon Holbrooke, I wish Joe were dead? No...” – Heather Snyder [36:26]
• [39:24] Jail call—Holbrooke insists Heather had nothing to do with it; Heather pleads innocence and claims persecution.
• [41:24] “Either you’re a bold-faced liar or you are extraordinarily unlucky.” – Host [41:24]
  • “I am unlucky.” – Heather Snyder [41:30]
• Heather states her only goal is now raising Joe’s children and dismisses the family’s ongoing suspicion ([41:33]-[42:12]).

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We all knew Joe wasn't missing. We all knew Joe was gone." – Heather Snyder [03:08]
• “That spark that made Joe, Joe, was gone.” – Annalee Werner [17:07]
• "Brandon Holbrooke had absolutely no reason to kill Joseph Shemanski." – Defense [28:57]
• “That a truthful answer could tend to incriminate her.” – Attorney re: Heather’s Fifth Amendment [32:12]
• "They just take her word for everything." – Holbrooke’s attorney on police investigating Heather [32:49]
• "Heather Snyder has an alibi. She’s on surveillance video buying pizza miles away." – Host [33:26]
• "It’s dangerous to be close to Mom for me." – Joe (from audio recorded for his children) [34:38]
• "Are you lying about anything? I am not." – Heather Snyder [41:19]
• "Either you’re a bold-faced liar or you are extraordinarily unlucky." – Host [41:24]
• "I am unlucky." – Heather Snyder [41:30]

---

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | 02:04 | Heather recalls Joe’s magnetic personality | | 03:08 | Realization of sinister circumstances | | 05:12 | Timeline and discovery of Joe’s absence | | 06:50 | Custody and divorce background | | 09:35 | Brandon Holbrooke becomes person of interest | | 13:49 | Discovery of human remains | | 18:01 | Custody and life insurance context | | 21:06 | Family suspicions about Heather | | 26:42 | Trial opening, prosecution strategy | | 27:37 | Defense opening, focus on Heather Snyder | | 29:29 | Text messages revealed at trial | | 32:12 | Heather pleads the Fifth | | 34:09 | Jury verdict: Guilty | | 36:26 | Heather’s direct denial in interview | | 39:24 | Jail call with Holbrooke | | 41:24 | Heather pressed on her honesty | | 43:56 | Joe's legacy and scholarship announcement |

---

Flow and Tone

The episode’s tone fluctuates between investigative rigor, courtroom tension, and personal heartbreak. The narrative weaves skepticism, suspicion, and emotional testimony throughout, candidly presenting the case’s ambiguity and the damage wrought upon those left behind. Listeners are left with unresolved questions surrounding Heather’s role, underscoring the case’s enduring complexity.

---

Conclusion

"My Uncle Joe's Murder" is a thorough, emotional account of a homicide investigation that raises as many questions as it answers. The conviction of Brandon Holbrooke closes one chapter, but the spotlight on Heather Snyder - her alibi, emotive denials, and family suspicion - ensures the legacy of Joe’s death remains shrouded in controversy. The episode exemplifies "48 Hours’" commitment to presenting complicated truths, the gray areas of justice, and the real human cost in the wake of a violent crime.

Transcript

[Narrator/Host]

Many home security systems only react once a break in has already happened. That's why Simplisafe is different. It's designed to stop crime before it even starts. SimpliSafe's AI powered cameras detect suspicious activity outside the home and trained monitoring agents respond immediately. They can speak directly to the intruder, trigger alarms and spotlights, and alert police. That's proactive protection that prevents damage and keeps homes safe. There are no long term contracts or hidden fees and the system comes with a 60 day money back guarantee. It's been named one of the best home security systems by U.S. news & World Report for five years running, providing trusted, reliable protection for any home. Right now, listeners can save 50% on a SimpliSafe home security system at simplisafe.com 48 hours that's simplisafe.com 48 hours. There's no safe like Simplisafe.

[Heather Snyder]

Just got a new puppy or kitten. Congrats. But also yikes. Between crates, beds, toys, treats, and those.

[Narrator/Host]

First few vet visits, you've probably already.

[Heather Snyder]

Dropped a small fortune. Which is where Lemonade Pet Insurance comes in.

[Narrator/Host]

It helps cover vet costs so you.

[Heather Snyder]

Can focus on what's best for your new pet. The coverage is customizable, sign up is quick and easy, and your claims are handled in as little as three seconds. Lemonade offers a package specifically for puppies and kittens. Get a'llemonade.com pet your future self will thank you. Your pet won't. They don't know what insurance is. My uncle Joe's creativity made his photography so special. He had the eye of a child. His sense of humor was unmatched and it really showed through all of his art. I worked with a lot of photographers and Joe was the best. He had such a magnetic personality.

[Narrator/Host]

Every picture I see, he just looks so charismatic. Yes. Bright blue eyes. Yes.

[Heather Snyder]

Anytime he'd see, hey, like his mouth like lit up, his eyes went wide. If you were judging somebody by their appearance, you'd say, you know, he's a jock. And then you talk to him for two minutes and he's this deep soul. That was a schoolteacher in D.C. when you were with him, you wanted to be better. I got a call from my dad and he's like, we can't find Uncle Joe. I knew right away that something really sinister had happened.

[Investigator/Detective]

911 emergency. What is your name?

[Heather Snyder]

My name is Heather Snyder. I'm Heather Snyder. I'm Joe Szymanski's ex wife.

[Investigator/Detective]

Okay, Heather, tell me exactly what happened.

[Heather Snyder]

I was returning my two Children to my ex's house. He's missing. We don't know where he is. His car was there, his phone was there, his wallet was there. Where is he?

[Investigator/Detective]

All right, so we are here because your ex husband Joe is missing right now.

[Heather Snyder]

It was surreal. Like, what's going on? We all knew Joe wasn't missing. We all knew Joe was gone. And it was just a couple of days later that they had found his remains.

[Narrator/Host]

So at that point, this had gone from a missing person's case to a homicide.

[Investigator/Detective]

Technically, yeah.

[Heather Snyder]

It's like I'm living in a horror movie.

[Investigator/Detective]

Are you in any relationship right now? Upon questioning Heather, they asked her who her last boyfriend was and she mentioned Brandon Holbrooke. The police focused in on Brandon Holbrooke as the sole perpetrator. Brandon Holbrooke had no motive. There are no forensics linking my client to this crime.

[Heather Snyder]

This story is not about a guy who decided to drive 200 miles and kill a man that he had never met.

[Narrator/Host]

Do you think Heather Snyder played some role in your uncle's murder? Yes.

[Heather Snyder]

I wish I had answers. I don't know anything.

[Narrator/Host]

It's a big twist in the story. We know each other.

[Heather Snyder]

We do.

[Narrator/Host]

We grew up together.

[Heather Snyder]

We did. The Heather Snyder I grew up with was an A student, cheerleader, field hockey player. Mm. One of the most unlikely people to be caught up in a murder case. Correct.

[Narrator/Host]

Did you have any involvement at all in Joe Szymansky's murder?

[Heather Snyder]

No. Do you believe any of it?

[Narrator/Host]

No. We need to piece the pieces of the puzzle together.

[Heather Snyder]

We know there's more to this story. We can't rest until the whole truth comes out.

[Investigator/Detective]

Nikki Batiste reports. My uncle Joe's murder.

[Narrator/Host]

The investigation of Joe Szymanski's murder began as a missing persons case.

[Investigator/Detective]

Hello.

[Narrator/Host]

Hi.

[Investigator/Detective]

Where's everybody at?

[Heather Snyder]

I'm not sure where everyone went. They have the drone up.

[Narrator/Host]

It was September 4, 2023 at 7:47pm when sheriff's deputies in Calvert County, Maryland were called to the home of the well known photographer.

[Investigator/Detective]

How are you doing tonight?

[Heather Snyder]

I'm Heather. I'm Joe's ex wife. Okay.

[Narrator/Host]

His ex wife, Heather Snyder, met them in the driveway. She would tell authorities she had arrived by car at about 7pm from her home in Pennsylvania.

[Heather Snyder]

I was supposed to be throwing the kids with him at seven o'clock tonight.

[Narrator/Host]

To hand off custody of their then 8 year old daughter and 7 year old son.

[Heather Snyder]

Kids went in the house because he usually comes right out, like he knows.

[Narrator/Host]

That they're coming but nobody was home. Heather had checked with the Neighbors and called 911.

[Heather Snyder]

Yeah, I don't know what I even should do at this point. Everything about it's weird.

[Narrator/Host]

Okay. All the signs suggested Joe Szymanski should be there. His car was in the driveway.

[Investigator/Detective]

Joe, you home?

[Narrator/Host]

His keys and phones were in the house. Authorities started searching the property.

[Investigator/Detective]

So I'm gonna try to put the drone up. Do you if he ever goes out.

[Heather Snyder]

Hiking in the woods or anything, I mean, I wouldn't put it past him. I answered their questions about everything. They asked, you know, the situation.

[Narrator/Host]

Among other things, investigators wanted to know about Heather and Joe's divorce from the previous year.

[Heather Snyder]

I know it was very contentious. So there was a lot of arguing. Specifically the drop off location for the kids was their biggest argument.

[Narrator/Host]

Joe Szymanski's neighbors, Alison Stinson Poundsbury and Colton Poundsbury were home that night when Heather Snyder knocked on the door.

[Heather Snyder]

She had asked me if Joe was here. I said no.

[Narrator/Host]

How was Heather acting?

[Heather Snyder]

So Heather was acting a little annoyed. She was annoyed that he wasn't here for drop off after she had already driven four hours.

[Narrator/Host]

The Poundsburys went to Joe Szymanski's home telling authorities they hadn't seen Joe since the. The previous afternoon.

[Investigator/Detective]

Yeah, we saw him yesterday about 4 o'. Clock. He was helping me with some drywall.

[Narrator/Host]

Okay.

[Investigator/Detective]

We gave him some dinner.

[Heather Snyder]

Any depression issues?

[Investigator/Detective]

Now that I noticed. What do you think is going on?

[Heather Snyder]

I have no idea.

[Investigator/Detective]

Okay.

[Narrator/Host]

All right.

[Heather Snyder]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Host]

The Pounds berries ended up giving Heather and the kids places to sleep for the night. But first Heather went inside Joe's house.

[Heather Snyder]

I didn't have any clues for the kids. So it was late at night. They let me go in and get pajamas.

[Narrator/Host]

Do you remember how you were feeling when you went inside?

[Heather Snyder]

Upset. It was surreal. Sorry.

[Investigator/Detective]

No, you're fine. You're absolutely fine. It's a lot to deal with is.

[Heather Snyder]

You have ever been kids. What are we gonna tell him?

[Investigator/Detective]

How could he not be there? Especially knowing that the kids are gonna be there.

[Narrator/Host]

It was about two and a half hours later that Heather Snyder called Joe's older brother Ted Shymansky. Ted's wife, also named Heather.

[Heather Snyder]

I felt like I was like punched in the stomach.

[Investigator/Detective]

So there was no way in the world that Joe would have missed this meeting with the kids. This isn't. Something's wrong.

[Narrator/Host]

It fell to Ted to deliver the news to the Szymansky sister Mary.

[Heather Snyder]

When I heard that Joe was missing, I fell to my knees and said a prayer because this was such a bizarre situation. It felt like I needed. I needed something greater than me right away.

[Narrator/Host]

And then the morning after Joe disappeared, investigators noticed something they'd been unable to see at night. There was blood in his driveway.

[Heather Snyder]

Did Joe have any enemies? Not that we knew of.

[Narrator/Host]

An investigator asked Heather Snyder to come to the station.

[Investigator/Detective]

Do you know of anybody that'd be an enemy of his nose? Are you in any relationship right now?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Investigator/Detective]

No boyfriends?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

But Heather told them she had recently broken up with someone who lived near her in Pennsylvania.

[Heather Snyder]

I had a boyfriend, but briefly, but I don't.

[Investigator/Detective]

Recently?

[Heather Snyder]

Yeah, within the last couple months, yeah.

[Investigator/Detective]

What's his name?

[Heather Snyder]

Brandon Holbrook. The name Brandon Holbrooke entered the scene quite quickly.

[Narrator/Host]

The Szymanskis say Joe told them he'd never met Brandon Holbrook.

[Heather Snyder]

All right.

[Investigator/Detective]

How long were you and Brandon together?

[Heather Snyder]

We were friends for a while. Since 20. 2022, I wanna say.

[Investigator/Detective]

Okay.

[Heather Snyder]

Or it might have been like, November 2021.

[Narrator/Host]

Authorities then decided to look, look more closely at Brandon Holbrook. They pulled his car registration and discovered a camera had picked up his license plate near Joe's house the very day Joe vanished. Investigators now had a person of interest and headed to Pennsylvania, notifying police there.

[Heather Snyder]

This one was definitely different than anything that we've seen before. Imagine fast hydration combined with balanced energy.

[Narrator/Host]

Perfectly flavored with zero artificial sweeteners. Introducing Liquid Ivy's new energy multiplier. Sugar free. Unlike other energy drinks.

[Heather Snyder]

You know the ones that make you feel like you're glitching. It's made with natural caffeine and electrolytes so you get the boost without the burnout.

[Narrator/Host]

Liquid IV's new energy multiplier. Sugar free hydrating energy. Tap the banner to learn more. On September 5, 2023, Sergeant John Chester of the Mifflin County, Pennsylvania police got a call that Maryland authorities were investigating a homicide. They wanted to talk to a person of interest, Brandon Holbrooke.

[Investigator/Detective]

We've arrested Mr. Holbrooke in the past.

[Narrator/Host]

Over the years. Holbrooke had pleaded guilty to at least five counts of indecent exposure. They approached his house at about 11pm.

[Heather Snyder]

This is where you walked up?

[Investigator/Detective]

Yes.

[Narrator/Host]

An investigator noted Holbrooke's eyes were bloodshot and that there was a strange particular smell both on him and the covered bed of his pickup in the driveway.

[Investigator/Detective]

This truck reeks, man. That smells terrible. Yeah, it smelled like death.

[Narrator/Host]

Holbrook told authorities he was a driver for a Pennsylvania plant that processes chicken slaughterhouse waste.

[Investigator/Detective]

Just have a seat right in there, bud.

[Narrator/Host]

He denied being near Joe's house or anywhere in Maryland the day Joe disappeared.

[Investigator/Detective]

We knew his truck was in Maryland.

[Narrator/Host]

One police report indicates he also denied any contact with Joe. Another says he was not being entirely truthful and appeared nervous. So in the early morning hours of September 6, 2023, investigators arrested Brandon Holbrook for the murder of Joe Szymanski. By then, Detective Jessica Arendt had reported for duty.

[Heather Snyder]

I was called in when they got back to the station with him and.

[Narrator/Host]

Helped them get warrants for Holbrooke's truck and house.

[Investigator/Detective]

We still didn't know the magnitude of what we were dealing with.

[Narrator/Host]

In the truck cab, investigators found gloves and plastic sheeting, and in the truck bed, something described as human blood.

[Investigator/Detective]

It looked like a homicide scene.

[Narrator/Host]

There were firearms in the house and plastic garbage bags, bleach, Lysol, and wet tools in a trailer. Outside in the garage, there was an open tool case and next to it, an open package of power saw blades. But investigators didn't spot a matching saw. Is that a tool that's powerful enough to dismember a body?

[Heather Snyder]

Possibly.

[Narrator/Host]

Authorities with cadaver dogs began following a dirt road caddy cornered to Brandon Holbrook's leading into the woods. The next day, they made a grisly discovery in a clearing near a creek.

[Heather Snyder]

They found the jawbone with some of the ear and some teeth still intact.

[Narrator/Host]

Incident reports show there was also a burn barrel, which smelled of decomposition. Scattered nearby piles of ash. Authorities sent the material off for testing, but they had a strong hunch they were human remains. And a strong hunch who's. It's a hope that we can keep his memory alive. Fearing the worst, Joe Szymanski's family and friends gathered in Washington.

[Investigator/Detective]

He was a person that would give you his shirt off his back even in a rainstorm.

[Narrator/Host]

Joe met Alton McDougal in 2000. After coming to D.C. to teach Middle school history and social studies. Alton says Joe became his mentor, exposing him to new ideas and to photography. He taught you how to see the world.

[Investigator/Detective]

Yes, through a lens.

[Narrator/Host]

They eventually became friends, says Alton, and partnered in the photo business at Eastern Market. That's where Joe first started dating Heather Snyder. She was then a single mom of three kids and was running a vegetable business.

[Heather Snyder]

He was fun, very charming.

[Narrator/Host]

Then he swept you off your feet.

[Heather Snyder]

He did.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather and Joe married in July 2014 and bought a house in rural Calvert County. Heather gave birth to a daughter and a son a year later. But Joe's family and friends say by 2020, the marriage was in trouble.

[Heather Snyder]

Heather Snyder and Joe Szymanski were never on equal footing financially.

[Investigator/Detective]

The spinning was definitely a problem.

[Narrator/Host]

Alton says Joe wrote Heather a check for thousands of dollars to pay off a debt on a house she owned. Then he gave her more money to help her launch a new business.

[Investigator/Detective]

I used to tell him all the time she's using.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather. Snyder says that's not true. She was never after Joe's money. She blames the difficulties in the marriage on Joe, saying he could behave erratically and that he started pushing her and her older children away after their own kids were born.

[Heather Snyder]

Joe's attention was just on those two children. It was almost obsessive to a degree. It was. He cared less about what I thought or what I was saying, and it was all about those two.

[Narrator/Host]

She says Joe was emotionally abusive to her. And there was one instance, she claims.

[Heather Snyder]

When he got physical, he body checked me into a car and that was after chasing me around the house.

[Narrator/Host]

The Szymansky family says Heather's abuse allegations match the Joe they knew. By 2021, Heather says she'd had enough.

[Heather Snyder]

I was afraid he was going to snap and hurt me and then my children were going to see it. You just left. I left. He was devastated.

[Narrator/Host]

Joe's friend Annalee Werner noticed it too.

[Heather Snyder]

That spark that made Jojo was gone. It was gone.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather had moved back to her hometown of Newport, Pennsylvania. She told investigators that it was a few months later that she began seeing Brandon Holbrook. All the while, Sajo's friends and family, he and Heather were arguing over custody and cash. It got so bad, Heather says she began recording their interactions around the kids. Annalee says Joe was also upset and made recordings too, about Heather for their children to hear one day.

[Investigator/Detective]

Mom has a way of manipulating everyone, everyone. She's toxic, honestly. I am honestly afraid for your mental and emotional safety. There's no safety in mom for me. It's dangerous to be close to mom for me.

[Heather Snyder]

Joe was in a contentious, ugly divorce.

[Narrator/Host]

But Analy says things had slowly started going Joe's way. Though he and Heather had joint legal custody of the kids, he had primary physical custody. Once school was in session, he bought a million dollar life insurance policy, naming the children as beneficiaries. And just weeks before he vanished, the court had reduced the settlement he owed Heather Snyder.

[Heather Snyder]

Joe had started winning.

[Narrator/Host]

Annalee and the Szymansky family say thinking back over the former couple's problems, they began to wonder if Heather Snyder could have known more about Joe's. Disappearance than she was saying.

[Investigator/Detective]

Tonight's 48 Hours will continue.

[Heather Snyder]

From 48 Hours, follow and listen to 15 Inside the Daniel Marshville Murders. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator/Host]

In mid September 2023, forensic experts match the remains that they found in that clearing near Brandon Holbrook's house to Joe Szymansky. Mifflin County Coroner Andrea Alcalde. What was Joe Szymanski's cause of death?

[Heather Snyder]

He had a gunshot wound to the head.

[Narrator/Host]

What was his manner of death?

[Heather Snyder]

Homicide.

[Investigator/Detective]

Could you just state your name? My name is Brandon Holbrook. This thing has my whole head messed up.

[Narrator/Host]

Authorities had uncovered evidence that didn't look good for Brandon Holbrook.

[Investigator/Detective]

We knew the white truck had been in Maryland based on the license plate. Reader had read the tag, and the tag matched the vehicle that was sitting here.

[Narrator/Host]

And with the saw blades in Holbrook's garage, the cleaning supplies and tools in his trailer, and Joe's remains in the clearing nearby, it all seemed to suggest that Holbrook had killed Joe in Maryland and brought his body to Pennsylvania. But for all the evidence investigators had, the case still contained some inconvenient truths. Did you find any of Joe Shymanski's remains on Brandon Holbrooke's property?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

Did you find a murder weapon? No. In addition, records show Holbrooke's phone had only ping towers near his Pennsylvania home the afternoon and evening Joe disappeared. And remember, images of Holbrooke's truck in Maryland did not show who was driving. And when the blood in the truck bed was tested, it wasn't human, it was animal.

[Heather Snyder]

Because he had access to the chicken plant, did he put stuff in there and cover it up with the chicken remains?

[Narrator/Host]

Joe's family and friends had trouble believing Holbrooke could have devised such an elaborate plot without help.

[Heather Snyder]

I do not believe that Brandon Holbrooke is the only person involved in my brother's death. I think he was highly inspired by Heather Snyder. Heather Snyder is the common denominator in this entire entire picture.

[Narrator/Host]

Alton McDougal also thinks Heather Snyder was involved. A few days before Joe went missing, Alton says they were hanging out and Joe told him Heather was coming over to drop off the kids instead of meeting halfway between their homes like they usually did. Alton says he told Joe that concerned him.

[Investigator/Detective]

I just don't want her to come to your house, dude. I just don't trust her.

[Narrator/Host]

He says Joe dismissed his concern, but the conversation haunts him to this day.

[Investigator/Detective]

I get chills right now.

[Heather Snyder]

What are you feeling that if he'd.

[Narrator/Host]

Listened to you, he might still be here.

[Investigator/Detective]

I mean, he might be right.

[Narrator/Host]

Jill's family and friends acknowledge that their suspicion of Heather Snyder was just a gut feeling and that the investigation hasn't turned up any evidence of her involvement. Nevertheless, Alton says he shared his speculation with authorities.

[Investigator/Detective]

Heather at least planned it. Her boyfriend had least helped.

[Narrator/Host]

He says he and the family find it strange that Heather Snyder reported Joe as missing before he was even an hour late.

[Heather Snyder]

You're jumping to he's missing, that he's.

[Narrator/Host]

Missing, like calling the police, I mean, and you're gonna call 911 especially, they say, because she had then waited more than two and a half hours to notify them.

[Heather Snyder]

That seems extraordinary. Long period of time before she let the immediate family know that Joe is missing.

[Narrator/Host]

And they questioned Heather's behavior when she went in Joe's house with investigators.

[Heather Snyder]

And she walks in the house and she begins to cry, sobbing over her ex husband that she would do anything to get away from.

[Narrator/Host]

They suspected it was all an act, something Heather Snyder denies.

[Investigator/Detective]

She just wanted to paint a picture that he was missing because she knew the plan.

[Narrator/Host]

And the Szymanskis believe she was untruthful with investigators about Brandon Holbrooke.

[Investigator/Detective]

Are you in any relationship right now?

[Heather Snyder]

No. She told the police that she broke up with him and that they were no longer together. Bull.

[Narrator/Host]

Janine says she suspects Heather had used Brandon Holbrook to get rid of Jo.

[Heather Snyder]

So she just needed it done and she found her person that would do that for her.

[Narrator/Host]

You think Heather Schneider was the mastermind? Yes. Was there any doubt in your mind? No. Brandon Holbrook was in custody and authorities had combed the clearing. But weeks later, Mary Szymansky was visiting the site when she found more burnt remains. She acknowledges searchers may have simply missed them in the woods. But she and Coroner Andrea Alcalde believe there's another possibility.

[Heather Snyder]

I think the more likely is that there were remains dumped after the fact.

[Narrator/Host]

That would mean they were dumped by someone else. That's a bombshell.

[Heather Snyder]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Host]

But Alcalde says Maryland authorities seem skeptical. The Calvert County Sheriff's Office declined our request for an interview. Still, the theory that someone else was involved in Joe's death is a point Holbrooke's attorneys will argue. From the start of his trial, only.

[Investigator/Detective]

One person's life is better today than it was before the murder of Joseph Szymanski, and that is Heather Snyder.

[Heather Snyder]

Did you have anything to do with Joe's death? I did not.

[Investigator/Detective]

Tonight'S 48 hours will continue.

[Heather Snyder]

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to settle dinner plans, send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets mom's 60th and never miss a meme or milestone. All protected with end to end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone. Learn [e-mail] I'm Investigator Slater, host of the Cyclopedia True Crime podcast. Spooky season is officially here and for the entire month of October we are transforming into Spookopedia.

[Narrator/Host]

All episodes, including bonus content will delve.

[Heather Snyder]

Into true crime with a dark twist blending the spooky, creepy, gory and the haunted. No matter the story we cover, by the end of each episode you are.

[Narrator/Host]

Going to feel it.

[Heather Snyder]

Make sure to find, follow and listen to Cyclopedia everywhere you get your podcasts. This episode is brought to you by cars.com on cars.com you can shop over 2 million cars. That means over 2 million new car possibilities, like making space for your growing family, becoming the type of person who takes spontaneous weekend camping trips or upgrading your commute wherever life takes you next, or whoever you're looking to be. There's a car for that on cars.com visit cars.com to discover your next possibility.

[Narrator/Host]

On March 31, 2025, the trial of Brandon Holbrooke for the murder of Joe Szymanski got underway. Prosecutors wanted a conviction on premeditated murder. They argued Holbrooke fatally shot Joe Shymanski in Maryland, drove him back to Pennsylvania, put chicken parts in his truck to cover his tracks, then disposed of Joe's remains in that clearing near Holbrook's house. And they brought in the barrel searchers found, suggesting it was used to burn him. But Holbrooke's defense team says it was a tactic.

[Investigator/Detective]

It was there for the emotional impact.

[Narrator/Host]

There were no cameras allowed in court. Defense attorney Brendan Callahan tried to turn the jury's attention away from Brandon Holbrook and towards Heather Snyder. She was mentioned more than 400 times at trial, though she hasn't been charged with a crime.

[Investigator/Detective]

The only person with an obvious motive was Heather Snyder. She was in a heated custody fight that she was not going well for.

[Narrator/Host]

Her, and Callahan told the jury Heather Snyder had a million other reasons too. If Joe was dead, Callahan said, she might stand to gain control of his life insurance payout since her children, the beneficiaries are still minors.

[Investigator/Detective]

When you throw in the million dollar life insurance policy, the motives write themselves.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather told us she knew nothing about Joe's life insurance before he died. Prosecutors kept the focus on Holbrook. They introduced videos of his truck near Joe's house in Maryland the day Joe disappeared. Holbrooke shopping for cleaning supplies, supplies in Pennsylvania the morning after. And video that's hard to see, but that they say shows Holbrooke near his white truck dumping something which turned out to be burned human remains. It put the defense in a corner.

[Investigator/Detective]

There's evidence that he is involved at some point, but there's very little evidence that he's the one who committed the actual murder.

[Narrator/Host]

And while Brandon Holbrook's truck might have been spotted near Joe's house that day, Callahan says someone else could have been driving it.

[Investigator/Detective]

Brandon Holbrooke had absolutely no reason to kill Joseph Shemanski.

[Narrator/Host]

The state contended Holbrooke did have a motive. Love for Heather Snyder and hate for Joe Szymanski, intense enough that Holbrooke took matters into into his own hands.

[Heather Snyder]

This man was obsessed with Heather Snyder.

[Narrator/Host]

Prosecutors painted a picture of that obsession, showing an image taken nearly seven months before the murder of a car Holbrooke also owned near Joe's house. And they showed a text exchange between Heather and Holbrooke from January 21, 2023, also months before the murder, in which she is complaining about Joe. I'm just tired of the abuse, Heather told him. It's been years upon years. Holbrooke later suggested she see a therapist, but added, I have other solutions in mind, but probably not the best way to go.

[Investigator/Detective]

That could mean a lot of things. I mean, it's very easy to read in it the most nefarious intent, and that's what the state tried to do in this case. But it could mean just about anything.

[Narrator/Host]

It could be a joke, whatever it meant. Heather didn't respond to Holbrooke immediately. She later texted him, I'm looking for a therapist. Do you think? How could Heather Snyder possibly not know?

[Investigator/Detective]

There's a lot in this case that you could say that for about Heather Snyder and her behavior around the time of the incident is overall very suspicious.

[Narrator/Host]

Callahan's co counsel Thomas Mooney, points to texts between Heather and Holbrooke suggesting they were still involved shortly before the murder.

[Investigator/Detective]

She indicated to the police that the relationship had cooled. No boyfriends, but the text messages seemed to suggest otherwise.

[Narrator/Host]

Six days before the murder, Holbrooke wrote, I like the smell of Your hair on my pillow. And later in the day, she texted, wish I was in your bed. The next morning, he wrote back, you can come to my bed anytime.

[Heather Snyder]

XO Heather Snyder is lying to the police and saying that she didn't have an involvement with Holbrooke.

[Narrator/Host]

In another text, Heather complained specifically about her custody agreement with Joe. I keep thinking karma is going to catch up with him, she wrote, but I'm tired of being patient.

[Investigator/Detective]

Anything that suggests that there were other people involved makes Brandon Holbrooke's role in this unclear and therefore is suggestive of his innocence.

[Narrator/Host]

But prosecutors introduced text suggesting Heather Snyder was surprised to find Joe missing when she got to his house. I have no idea where he is, she wrote to Holbrooke. The car is here. Both the defense and the prosecutors wanted to question Heather under oath. But when she was called as a witness, she declined to testify, invoking her Fifth Amendment privilege. What does Heather Snyder, pleading the Fifth, say to you?

[Investigator/Detective]

That a truthful answer could tend to incriminate her.

[Narrator/Host]

And Callahan wanted the jury to consider something else about Heather Snyder. She had a gun.

[Investigator/Detective]

She did.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather had told authorities about a gun Holbrooke had given her before the murder, but there were never any bullets or casings found, so it would have been impossible to tell if it was the murder weapon. Still, Callahan says authorities were slow to collect it from her.

[Investigator/Detective]

That wasn't investigated until weeks before the trial started. Even though they knew about it.

[Narrator/Host]

And he says they failed to ever search Heather's home or property.

[Investigator/Detective]

She has acres of land that the police are on, that land, and they don't even ask to look around. They just take her word for everything.

[Narrator/Host]

Prosecutors say there was a thorough investigation, and they saved what might be the most explosive evidence for near the end of their case. There's no way Heather could have killed Joe, they say. Why? The afternoon Joe disappeared, you can see Heather on video buying pizza in Pennsylvania about three hours away. Heather Snyder has an alibi. She's on surveillance video buying pizza miles away.

[Investigator/Detective]

Yes.

[Narrator/Host]

She couldn't have physically gotten there in time.

[Investigator/Detective]

Yes. But there are all sorts of different roles that one can play in a crime.

[Narrator/Host]

He says Heather could have encouraged Brandon Holbrooke or at least known about his plan. Holbrook doesn't take the stand, but in closings, his attorneys remind the jury there's no proof he was even in Maryland that evening, let alone at Joe Szymanski's house.

[Investigator/Detective]

The burden is on the state, and we thought that they presented a strong case that he was involved after the fact. But we're still waiting on the evidence that he was ever in that driveway.

[Narrator/Host]

But it took just 80 minutes for the jury to reach a verdict. Brandon Holbrook is guilty of the first degree premeditated murder of Joe Szymanski. How are you feeling?

[Heather Snyder]

Extremely happy.

[Narrator/Host]

Joe's loved ones were happy, but not satisfied. At sentencing, Annalee Werner presented a photo montage of Joe that also included some of those audio recordings about Heather that he made for their children.

[Investigator/Detective]

And I'm worried about you guys growing up in a world where you're afraid of Mom. She takes her love away from you, and if you piss her off, you're done.

[Narrator/Host]

And then a number of friends and family addressed the court, suggesting Heather could also be, at least in part, to blame for what happened. The judge gave Holbrooke life without parole and said he was not closing the book on the case. You're at the center of this case.

[Heather Snyder]

I am.

[Investigator/Detective]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

Do you remember the last time we saw each other before this story reconnected us?

[Heather Snyder]

I believe it was at Homecoming in 1998.

[Narrator/Host]

It was more than 25 years ago, here on our high school sports fields in tiny Newport, Pennsylvania. Heather Snyder and I had grown up together. In fact, I was the 1997 Homecoming Queen, and she was my successor. I put a crown on your head. And now here we are.

[Heather Snyder]

And we're back.

[Narrator/Host]

We hadn't communicated since then, until reporting this story brought me back to some of the most familiar terrain of my life. But it's taken me into uncharted territory in the process confronting someone from my youth who has been caught up in a murder case. Heather told me she wanted to set the record straight. She agreed to the interview with no questions, off limits. She acknowledged she was upset with Joe during their custody fight. Did you ever say to Brandon Holbrooke, I wish Joe were dead?

[Heather Snyder]

No. The most I said to Brandon was that I thought Joe should be in jail for the way he was acting.

[Narrator/Host]

Did Brandon tell you he wanted to kill Joe?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

Did you help him cover it up?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

No. So what about those texts between her and Brandon Holbrooke? Like when he mentions other solutions to help deal with Joe?

[Heather Snyder]

I thought it was just a joke.

[Narrator/Host]

It didn't cross her mind for a second that he might hurt Joe?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

As for her text about karma catching up with Joe, in which she wrote, she was tired of being patient.

[Heather Snyder]

That's how I was feeling. Do you think a text like that may have triggered Brandon?

[Investigator/Detective]

I don't know.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather. Who at the time was in that custody fight with Joe. Says she ended her relationship with Brandon Holbrooke about a month before the murder, when Holbrooke had been arrested again for indecent exposure.

[Heather Snyder]

What was the reason that you told Brandon you needed to end the relationship?

[Narrator/Host]

Because of his charge, the Szymanski suspect Heather was actually working. If Joe heard she was dating a sex offender, she would lose custody of their kids. They believe Heather continued to secretly see Holbrooke about a week before Joe went missing. Brandon Holbrooke texts you. I like the smell of your hair on my pillow.

[Heather Snyder]

He did? Mm.

[Narrator/Host]

Were you with him?

[Heather Snyder]

I stopped by his house.

[Narrator/Host]

It sounds like you're still involved.

[Heather Snyder]

We were friends.

[Narrator/Host]

That you were intimate then.

[Heather Snyder]

We were friends.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather also texted Brandon. Wish I was in your bed.

[Heather Snyder]

Weren't you and Brandon still involved this whole time? We weren't. We weren't.

[Narrator/Host]

People are going to watch and say you're lying.

[Heather Snyder]

We were friends. It was hard to give up a friend.

[Narrator/Host]

Why was there a smell of your hair on his pillow?

[Heather Snyder]

Because I was probably laying on his pillow.

[Narrator/Host]

She says they were only talking. What did you talk about?

[Heather Snyder]

That was the last time. It was just like. It was almost like a goodbye, honestly. What did Brandon say? Was he upset? We were both upset. We were both crying.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather told us that even after Joe's.

[Heather Snyder]

Murder, I still have love for Brandon.

[Investigator/Detective]

Wow.

[Heather Snyder]

Wow is right. How? I don't. I think, obviously, psychologically, he snapped over something. It's not like. I don't think he should be in jail. I think he did something horrible, horrific. He hurt my family. He hurt me. If you could see him face to.

[Narrator/Host]

Face, what would be your first question?

[Heather Snyder]

Why? What happened?

[Narrator/Host]

And while she hasn't seen him in person, she did have a chance to ask him. Shortly before his sentencing, she accepted his call from jail.

[Heather Snyder]

This call will be recorded and is subject to monitoring at any time.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather tells Holbrooke she believes Joe's family is trying to incriminate her.

[Heather Snyder]

Trying to prove that I did something wrong.

[Investigator/Detective]

Never in a million years would I say you had anything to do with this.

[Heather Snyder]

I swear I didn't. I just wish I knew what happened. I just want the truth.

[Narrator/Host]

Holbrooke tells her, I would love to.

[Investigator/Detective]

Tell you everything that I know, but I'm not going to do it on one of these recorded lines.

[Narrator/Host]

And then he denies killing Joe.

[Investigator/Detective]

I'll tell you one thing for sure. I never saw Joe, talked to Joe, had any interaction at all whatsoever with Joe his entire life. I promise you that.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather says Holbrooke never confessed to her and she never had an inkling of his plans. She says there is nothing suspicious about her calling 911 so quickly. When she didn't find Joe at the house, she says it was her divorce attorney who advised her to make the call and a criminal lawyer who advised her to plead the fifth in the trial. Did you have something to hide?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

If you don't have anything to hide.

[Heather Snyder]

Why not just get up there and testify? People twist your words.

[Narrator/Host]

And the words Joe used to describe Heather in those audio messages.

[Investigator/Detective]

It's dangerous to be close to mom for me.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather told us Joe was twisting reality at the time. She says Joe was the dangerous one. And she created a website, Heather's Abuse Story, detailing her side. We also asked Heather about that gun she says Brandon Holbrook gave her before Joe's murder. She says it was only for target practice. Is there any chance that gun is the murder weapon?

[Heather Snyder]

I don't know. No. I mean, obviously it was locked in my closet.

[Narrator/Host]

Is there anything you're not telling us?

[Heather Snyder]

No.

[Narrator/Host]

Look me in the eye.

[Heather Snyder]

Are you lying about anything? I am not.

[Narrator/Host]

Either you're a bold faced liar or you are extraordinarily unlucky.

[Heather Snyder]

I am unlucky.

[Narrator/Host]

Heather says her focus is on raising her and Joe's children. And she's sad that they'll grow up without a father.

[Heather Snyder]

They have very happy memories of their father. And I try. I try to do what I can to honor and keep that safe.

[Narrator/Host]

She knows the Shymanskis want to see the kids, but says Joe's relatives can't expect a full relationship with them while publicly pointing a finger at her.

[Heather Snyder]

There needs to be a place we move on other than this, where they're constantly blaming me for something that I didn't do.

[Narrator/Host]

Are you afraid authorities will come for you? No, not at all.

[Heather Snyder]

I'm not worried at all.

[Narrator/Host]

No.

[Investigator/Detective]

If Joe never met Heather Snyder, Joe would be alive today.

[Narrator/Host]

Calvert County, Maryland's top prosecutor, Robert Harvey, declined our request for an interview, but wrote to us that there was a thorough and exhaustive investigation into Mr. Szymanski's death. Mr. Holbrooke received a fair and impartial trial. Because Mr. Holbrooke's case is under appeal, it remains open. Therefore, I am not going to respond to questions regarding the investigation, and I'm not going to speculate on what may or may not happen in the future. And when we asked Pennsylvania authorities about Heather Snyder.

[Heather Snyder]

Is there a current investigation into Heather Snyder? I can't answer that question. Should there be? I can't answer that question.

[Narrator/Host]

Do you think Heather Snyder is involved in this crime in any way?

[Heather Snyder]

I can't answer that.

[Narrator/Host]

But you do know the answer.

[Heather Snyder]

Yes, but I'm not allowed to say.

[Narrator/Host]

So many people watching are going to.

[Heather Snyder]

Be frustrated and they're going to think it. Just logically, you have to have known something, right? But I didn't. That's the torturous part. Because people will. It's almost like they want to believe that I was involved with it. They want that true crime narrative and it just simply wasn't the case.

[Investigator/Detective]

Brendan Holbrook is appealing his conviction. A scholarship has been established in Joe Shymanski's name for photography students in D.C. public high schools. Now streaming on Paramount. Plus someone is trying to frame us until our names are cleared.

[Heather Snyder]

More fugitives from Interval Like Bonnie and.

[Investigator/Detective]

Clyde with better snacks. Espionage. You still as good a shot as.

[Narrator/Host]

He used to be? Better.

[Investigator/Detective]

Is there love? Language? We like to walk that fine line between techno thriller, romantic cop.

[Heather Snyder]

We make up our own rules.

[Investigator/Detective]

NCIS Tony and Ziva. Now streaming on Paramount plus this October, fear is free on Pluto tv. With horror movie collections from Paranormal Activity.

[Heather Snyder]

The Ring, you will die in seven.

[Investigator/Detective]

Days Scream and From Dusk till Dawn.

[Heather Snyder]

This is my kind of place.

[Investigator/Detective]

And don't miss the man made nightmares in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or the world ending chaos in 28 days later.

[Narrator/Host]

Something in the blood.

[Investigator/Detective]

All the scares, all for free. Pluto TV stream now pay Never.