This story originally aired on Oct. 18, 2025.The investigation of Joe Shymanski's murder began as a missing persons case. It was Sept. 4, 2023, at 7:47 p.m. when sheriff's deputies in Calvert County, Maryland, were called to the home of the well-known photographer. His ex-wife, Heather Snyder, met them in the driveway. She would tell authorities she had arrived by car at about 7 p.m. from her home in Pennsylvania to hand off custody of their then-8-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son. HEATHER SNYDER (bodycam video): Um, I was supposed to return the kids to him.DEPUTY: OK.HEATHER SNYDER: At 7 o'clock tonight ...HEATHER SNYDER (bodycam video): … kids went in the house cause he did — he usually just comes right out, like he knows that they're coming.
But nobody was home. Heather Snyder had checked with the neighbors and called 911.HEATHER SNYDER (bodycam video): Yeah, I don't know what I even should do at this point. HEATHER SNYDER: … everything about it's weird.DEPUTY: OK.
What happened to Joe Shymanski?All the signs suggested Joe Shymanski should be there. His car was in the driveway, his keys and phone were in the house. Authorities started searching the property – even using a drone.
