A gunman accused of shooting dead a world-famous Caltech genius last week was let out of jail just two months ago despite a felony gun charge, the California Post has learned.
Freddy Snyder was released by a judge using an “unnecessary prosecutions” law in December — before allegedly going on to kill Carl Grillmair in Llano last week.
The 29-year-old was picked up two days before Christmas for carrying a loaded firearm and an attempted jail escape, but was released on his own recognizance.
The felony case was suddenly dismissed under the Penal Code 1385 California, often referred to as PC 1385, a code ultimately decided by the judge.
It is unclear why Snyder’s charges were dropped by the judge under the code. The electronic court records did not provide the name of who was overseeing the case.
DCD Law, an LA law firm, said: “The key standard for dismissal under Penal Code 1385 is the “interest of justice.
“This means the court looks beyond technical rules and focuses on what is fair. The judge considers the nature of the offense, the circumstances of the accused, and public interest.
“The defense can request dismissal, but the judge must agree. Sometimes, prosecutors can also move to dismiss charges. However, the final decision rests with the judge.”
Snyder is accused of gunning down 67-year-old Grillmair at his remote home in Antelope Valley, California, on Monday.
Police responded to a 911 call and found the astrophysicist bleeding from his torso on the front porch of his house. He was given life saving measures but pronounced dead at the scene.
A nearby car jacking call came in soon after leading authorities to Snyder.
The sheriff said: “While investigating the shooting call, Palmdale Sheriff’s Station deputies also responded to a carjacking call. The suspect who committed the carjacking was arrested.”
Snyder was formally charged with murder, carjacking, and burglary. His bail was set at $2 million. Grillmair was a beloved scientist who worked on NASA’s Spitzer Space telescope.
He lived in the remote spot because the nighttime darkness made for better astronomical observations. He built his own observatory at home and flew airplanes in his spare time, local media said.
The relationship, if any, between Gillmair and Snyder is unknown.
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