Newsom judge dismissed gun charges against Caltech Genius Carl Grillmair’s accused killer

A tragic incident has brought to light the consequences of a judge’s decision to dismiss felony handgun charges against a 29-year-old man, Freddy Snyder. Just weeks before the murder of renowned Caltech genius, Carl Grillmair, Snyder was released from jail by Judge Osman Abbasi, who was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Snyder had been facing charges for carrying a loaded firearm and attempted escape, but was let go on his own recognizance after being instructed to complete a gun safety course. Despite failing to appear in court on the scheduled date, his completion of the safety course led to the dismissal of his charges under Penal Code 1385 California. This leniency ultimately had devastating consequences, as Snyder is now accused of murdering Grillmair at his home in Antelope Valley, California.

Grillmair, a 67-year-old astrophysicist, was found bleeding on his porch by police who attempted to save his life to no avail. Snyder was later apprehended and charged with murder, carjacking, and burglary. Upon appearing in Judge Abbasi’s courtroom again, his arraignment was postponed and a bail of $3.175 million was set.

Judge Abbasi’s appointment by Governor Newsom in 2025 was met with praise from the Muslim community activists, who saw it as a step towards increased representation and access to justice for marginalized communities. However, the decision to dismiss Snyder’s charges under the 1385 code has raised questions about the criteria used in such cases. According to legal experts, the court must consider the nature of the offense, the circumstances of the accused, and the public interest in determining whether a dismissal is in the interest of justice.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has yet to provide a comment on the matter. The tragic events surrounding Carl Grillmair’s murder serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and consequences of decisions made within the legal system.