The man accused of gunning down a prominent California Institute of Technology astrophysicist had been on the scientist’s isolated desert property two months before the deadly encounter as new details of the case emerge.
Carl Grillmair, 67, a world-renowned researcher at Caltech’s IPAC Science and Data Center, was fatally shot on Feb. 16 at his home in Llano.
Suspect Freddy Snyder, 29, lived just two miles away and had a history of trespassing on the scientist’s property, according to documents obtained by the Los Angeles Times.
Grillmair called authorities to report a trespasser on his rugged, sprawling lot on Dec. 20, according to sheriff’s officials and court records.
When deputies arrived, they found Snyder nearby carrying a loaded, unregistered rifle. He claimed he was walking to the post office and carried the weapon for protection against wild animals. Property records indicate the post office was located in the opposite direction from Snyder’s home, according to the Times.
He was arrested on a felony weapons charge and further accused of attempting to escape the Palmdale station jail the following day, a criminal complaint showed.
During his Dec. 23 court appearance, Snyder was released on his own recognizance. By Feb. 5 — less than two weeks before the shooting — prosecutors moved to drop the charges entirely given his lack of prior criminal record.
The dismissal came even as other residents reported Snyder’s erratic behavior.
One neighbor in nearby Valyermo told the Times that Snyder had broken into his home on Dec. 28, just days after being released over the first encounter with Grillmair.
Investigators are yet to establish a clear motive for the slaying of the Caltech genius.
Snyder was arrested following a brief pursuit after he allegedly threatened his mother and carjacked her vehicle shortly after the shooting.
His arraignment is scheduled for March 26.