Caltech Astrophysicist Fatally Shot in Antelope Valley

Suspect charged with murder in shooting death of renowned researcher

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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An accomplished Caltech astrophysicist with over four decades of research contributions in galactic astronomy and the study of distant planets was fatally shot in a rural area of Antelope Valley on Monday morning. A suspect has been arrested and charged with the murder.

Why it matters

The tragic death of this renowned scientist has sent shockwaves through the astronomy community and raised concerns about public safety in the Antelope Valley region, which has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years.

The details

Deputies responded to a 911 call for assault with a deadly weapon in the unincorporated community of Llano at 6:10 a.m. and found the victim, identified as 67-year-old Carl Grillmair, suffering from a gunshot wound on the front porch of a home. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities later arrested a suspect, 29-year-old Freddy Snyder, in connection with a nearby carjacking and charged him with Grillmair's murder as well as first-degree burglary.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday, February 19, 2026 at around 6:10 a.m.
  • Grillmair was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Suspect Freddy Snyder was arrested and charged on Wednesday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Carl Grillmair

A 67-year-old Caltech astrophysicist with over four decades of research contributions in galactic astronomy and the study of distant planets.

Freddy Snyder

A 29-year-old suspect who was charged with Grillmair's murder, as well as carjacking and first-degree burglary.

Caltech

The prestigious California Institute of Technology where Grillmair was employed as a research scientist.

L.A. County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call, investigated the shooting, and arrested the suspect.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Freddy Snyder's bail on Tuesday, February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for increased public safety measures and support for the scientific community in the Antelope Valley area, as well as the broader issue of gun violence and its impact on communities across California.