Dodgers’ Blake Snell’s home among MLB targets in surprising Seattle burglary case

A shocking incident has come to light in Seattle. A 21-year-old man has been arrested for targeting the homes of famous athletes. The case involves several well-known names from the world of sports, and the charges are serious.

Prosecutors say the investigation is far from over, and more people may be involved in this crime ring.

Blake Snell, Julio Rodríguez, and Luis Castillo Targeted in Athlete Home Burglaries

The man arrested has been identified as Earl Henderson Riley IV, age 21, from Seattle, Washington. For him, many charges have come from his opening professional athletes' houses. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez, and Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo among the impacted athletes.

Among the victims was former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office confirmed that Riley has been charged with one count of robbery in the first degree and four counts of residential theft. The crimes reportedly took place at different times in early 2025, in and around Seattle. The King County Jail is currently holding Riley, and his bail has been set at $1 million.

These burglaries were part of a wider pattern. Riley is suspected to be the main person behind a group that has been breaking into the homes of sports stars. Police believe this group planned the crimes by watching the athletes’ travel schedules and home activity. “We believe he is the ringleader of this bunch,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff.Also Read: MLB Analyst Predicts Comeback Heroics From Blake Snell Over Red-Hot Max Fried

Prosecutors and Police Worked Across Cities to Catch the Main Suspect

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said the investigation began in early 2025, after a series of high-profile burglary reports.

Law enforcement worked with six different police departments across Washington to gather evidence, review security footage, and issue search warrants. After several weeks of work, they filed felony charges against Riley.This is not Riley’s first encounter with the law. On February 7, 2025, he was released from custody after pleading guilty to three separate robbery charges. Despite that, he is now being accused of playing a leading role in these new break-ins.Prosecutors say more people from this group may still be out there. They are continuing to investigate. Leesa Manion, the King County Prosecuting Attorney, said, “We’ve worked for weeks on this case. It’s important we stop this group completely.”