In an unsettling trend that echoes last year’s high-profile security scares involving NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, professional athletes across multiple leagues are once again finding their homes under siege.
Now, Major League Baseball has become the latest target, with four player falling victim to a string of home burglaries in Washington state.
According to the Associated Press, Seattle authorities have charged 21-year-old Earl Henderson Riley IV in connection with multiple burglaries affecting current and former MLB players.
The alleged crimes have raised alarms throughout the professional sports community, prompting concern about the growing vulnerability of high-profile athletes and their families.
Julio Rodriguez among hardest hit as investigation unfolds
Among the most heavily impacted is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, a rising star and Dominican national. Prosecutors revealed that Rodriguez lost over $194,000 worth of luxury handbags and jewelry during a break-in. The scale of the loss suggests a calculated effort by the intruder.
Rodriguez wasn’t the only Mariner affected. His teammate, pitcher Luis Castillo, also had his home burglarized, with more than $6,000 worth of Louis Vuitton bags reportedly stolen. The two incidents point to a disturbing pattern: present Mariners players being singled out by the suspect.
But the wave didn’t stop with current players. Blake Snell, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher originally from Washington, narrowly avoided a loss after a burglary attempt at his home. According to court documents, although the break-in was attempted, nothing was stolen, offering a rare moment of relief in an otherwise tense narrative.
Mariners legend and Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez was also targeted. Prosecutors confirmed an unsuccessful burglary attempt at his home, a chilling reminder that even retired players are not immune to these threats.
In response to the growing concerns, King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion issued a firm statement emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, and our office will continue to hold those who engage in criminal behavior accountable,” Manion said.
The alleged perpetrator, Earl Henderson Riley IV, is currently in custody at King County Jail on $1 million bail. He faces multiple burglary charges, including counts involving both occupied and unoccupied residences, as well as first-degree robbery. The legal consequences could be severe if the prosecution successfully links him to all of the reported cases.
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