Newsom judge dismissed gun charges against Caltech Genius Carl Grillmair’s accused killer
A 29-year-old charged with gunning down a renowned Caltech genius had felony handgun charges dismissed by a Newsom-appointed judge weeks earlier, the California Post has learned.
Judge Osman Abbasi told Freddy Snyder, 29, to complete a gun safety course then released him from jail around Christmas, less than two months before astrophysicist Carl Grillmair was murdered.
Snyder had been accused of two felonies – for carrying a loaded firearm and attempted escape on December 23 – but was freed on his own recognizance.
He was told to return to court on February 5, but did not show up. Yet his safety course was still accepted by the court and the case was suddenly dismissed under Penal Code 1385 California.
Just 11 days later Snyder is alleged to have gunned down 67-year-old Grillmair at his remote home in Antelope Valley, California.
Police found the scientist bleeding from his torso on his porch and tried life saving measures. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Snyder was charged with murder, carjacking, and burglary when police tracked him down.
He appeared again in Judge Abbasi’s courtroom on February 18, where his arraignment on the new charges was continued and bail was set at $3.175 million.
Abbasi was appointed to Los Angeles Superior Court by Gavin Newsom in August 2025. His bio says he fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Anthony A. Trendacosta. It also says he is a Democrat.
Muslim community activists celebrated Abbasi’s appointment.
Cair California said: “His appointment marks a significant step forward for increased representation in our legal system and improved access to justice for marginalized communities.”
It is unclear why Snyder’s December charges were dropped by Abbasi under the lenient 1385 code. 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.”
Los Angeles DA’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.
