Caltech astrophysicist fatally shot on porch of his rural SoCal home, where he studied the stars

[Zorro]

An accomplished Caltech astrophysicist with more than 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 in the shooting has been charged with murder.

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 a man suffering from a gunshot wound on the front porch of a home, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The victim was later identified as Carl Grillmair, 67, according to the L.A. County medical examiner. His death was ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the torso.

“He was very famous in astronomy and a very renowned scientist,” said astronomer Sergio Fajardo-Acosta, who worked alongside Grillmair at Caltech for 26 years. “His legacy will live on forever.”

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-19/caltech-astrophysicist-fatally-shot-on-porch-in-antelope-valley

[GiqueCee]

1. Anything yet on a possible motive?

I wouldn't think of astrophysics ordinarily engendering such brutal animosity. It must have been a personal grudge, and a pretty nasty one. On the other hand, psychopaths don't really need a reason to commit a crime.

[Zorro]

3. Nothing about a motive yet

Yet here is some additional info from the article:

While investigating the shooting, deputies arrested a suspect in a carjacking that took place nearby, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

That suspect was later identified as Freddy Snyder, 29. He was charged Wednesday with the murder of Grillmair and carjacking. He was also charged with first-degree burglary related to a Dec. 28 incident, according to court records.

[GiqueCee]

6. Thanks for the additional info...

... it's starting to look more and more like the random act of a raving thrill-killer.
I think I read something a while back in Scientific American regarding Mr. Grillmair's work. Astrophysics is an arcane, but fascinating field of research. It always amazes me how much information can be deduced from starlight.
My sympathies go out to those who knew, and loved, him.

[GreatGazoo]

2. Carjacking

Homicide detectives have arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of a 67-year-old man on the front porch of a Llano home this week, officials announced Thursday, Feb. 19.

Freddy Snyder, 29, was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with murder, carjacking and burglary on Wednesday, Feb. 18, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. His city of residence was not available.

https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/crime/2026/02/19/suspect-charged-with-murder-in-fatal-shooting-of-67-year-old-llano-man/88768678007/

[quaint]

4. Thanks

[Clouds Passing]

5. Carl

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. How terribly sad. May he rest in peace.