Man Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Caltech Astrophysicist in Llano

A Llano man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 67-year-old Caltech astrophysicist, who was shot and killed outside his home earlier this year. Freddy Snyder, born April 3, 1996, entered his plea on May 26 during an arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

He faces one felony count each of murder, carjacking, and first-degree residential burglary, with a special allegation that he personally used a rifle in the commission of the crime.

According to prosecutors, Snyder allegedly armed himself with two rifles in the early morning hours of February 16 and demanded his mother’s car keys inside their home. When she refused, he reportedly fired a shot into the ceiling before taking the keys and driving off in her vehicle.

He then drove to the nearby home of Carl Grillmair, a Caltech astronomer at the IPAC science and data center. Grillmair went outside after being alerted to the vehicle in his driveway and was shot once in the neck while on his front porch.

He died at the scene.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated, “Carl Grillmair was a dedicated Caltech scientist who was ruthlessly shot and killed outside his own home.

This senseless act of violence has devastated his family and cut short a life devoted to advancing science and improving the world around him. We will ensure justice is served for this victim and his loved ones.”

Snyder remains in custody with bail set at $3 million. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 5 in Department A2 of the Antelope Valley Courthouse.

If convicted as charged, he faces up to life in prison. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jeremy Davis of the Antelope Valley Branch and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.