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Caltech Astrophysicist Carl Grillmair Shot Dead at Home

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Carl Grillmair, a 67-year-old Caltech astrophysicist, was shot and killed on his porch in Llano, Southern California, on February 19, 2026, after authorities received a 911 call.
Freddy Snyder, 29, was arrested and charged with murder, carjacking, and burglary, with bail set at $2 million.
The motive remains unclear.
Grillmair received a NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for his galactic astronomy work.
A colleague described him as a mentor.

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Story summary

Carl Grillmair, a 67-year-old Caltech astrophysicist, was shot and killed on his porch in Llano, Southern California, on February 19, 2026, after authorities received a 911 call.
Freddy Snyder, 29, was arrested and charged with murder, carjacking, and burglary, with bail set at $2 million.
The motive remains unclear.
Grillmair received a NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for his galactic astronomy work.
A colleague described him as a mentor.