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Caltech Astrophysicist Carl Grillmair Killed in Llano; 29-Year-Old Suspect Charged With Murder

Authorities are seeking tips as the investigation continues with no confirmed motive.

Overview

  • Deputies answering a 6:10 a.m. 911 call in unincorporated Llano found Carl Grillmair, 67, shot on his front porch, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the torso.
  • Freddy Snyder, 29, has been charged with Grillmair’s murder, a nearby carjacking, and a Dec. 28 first-degree burglary, and is being held on $2 million bail.
  • Deputies also responded to a carjacking in the same area, and investigators have not established a motive or confirmed any connection between that crime and the killing.
  • Grillmair was a research scientist at Caltech’s IPAC known for work on galactic structure, dark matter, stellar populations and exoplanets, including extensive Hubble and Spitzer projects.