A recently released surveillance video has provided critical evidence in an ongoing investigation into a series of high-profile burglaries targeting professional athletes in the Seattle area.
The footage, captured outside the home of Mariners legend Edgar Martinez, shows three individuals approaching the property before abruptly turning around and leaving. At least one suspect is seen carrying a distinctive red duffel bag—an item now believed to connect multiple break-ins.
Just hours after the attempted burglary at Martinez’s residence, the same red bag appears in video footage from a break-in at the home of former Seattle Seahawks star Richard Sherman. Prosecutors believe the red bag is a key piece of evidence tying the crimes together.
The burglary ring has impacted several prominent athletes, including Mariners standouts Julio Rodríguez and Luis Castillo, as well as Shoreline native and Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Castillo’s residence was reportedly targeted on two separate occasions.
Prosecutors in King County have filed multiple felony charges against 21-year-old Earl Riley in connection to the string of burglaries. The red duffel bag and a black Jeep Cherokee—both seen on video at multiple crime scenes—were recovered at a residence linked to Riley in Seattle’s Central District.
Investigators say they also found a number of stolen luxury items at the location, allegedly traced back to the athletes. Among the recovered items was a uniquely identifiable Rolex wristwatch believed to have been purchased by Snell at Ben Bridge Jewelers. Prosecutors say Riley posted a photo of himself wearing the watch on Instagram.
Court documents detail that shortly after Riley was released from King County Jail earlier this year, he allegedly participated in yet another burglary at Castillo’s Eastside home. The incident occurred while Castillo was away pitching in a game.
Authorities say cellphone data places Riley at the scenes of the burglaries and connects him to other unidentified individuals, suggesting he did not act alone.
Further complicating the case, Riley is also alleged to have been driving the same Jeep Cherokee last month when he dropped off a suspect involved in a triple homicide at a Pioneer Square nightclub. Riley was later apprehended at Gene Coulon Park in Renton and was found in possession of a stolen firearm.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate potential co-conspirators as the case unfolds, with prosecutors emphasizing the organized nature of the burglary operation and its impact on some of Seattle’s most high-profile residents.
