
Astrophysicist who helped confirm water on a distant planet shot dead on California porch
A renowned astrophysicist, Carl Grillmair, 67, who contributed to the discovery of water on a distant planet, was shot dead on the front porch of his Llano, California home. Detectives later arrested 29-year-old Freddy Snyder on murder, carjacking and burglary charges with a $2 million bail; motive remains undisclosed and the investigation is ongoing. Grillmair, tied to Caltech and the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, was celebrated for his work in astronomy and for building an observatory at his Antelope Valley residence.

