Caltech Astrophysicist Carl Grillmair Fatally Shot

A prominent astrophysicist at the California Institute of Technology was fatally shot at his rural home outside Los Angeles on Monday morning, authorities reported. Carl Grillmair, 67, a research scientist known for his pioneering work on distant planets and galactic structures, died from a single gunshot wound to the torso at his residence in Llano, an unincorporated community in the Antelope Valley region of northern Los Angeles County.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon shortly after 6 a.m. They found Grillmair on his front porch, where paramedics attempted lifesaving measures before pronouncing him dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators arrested 29-year-old Freddy Snyder on Wednesday in connection with the shooting. Snyder faces charges of murder, as well as carjacking and first-degree burglary related to separate incidents, including a vehicle theft nearby after the shooting and a burglary reported on December 28. He is being held in custody on $2 million bail and has not yet entered a plea. Authorities have not...