Major League Baseball star Jose Altuve’s house was robbed while he was with the Houston Astros - and the thieves have been arrested after stealing jewellery worth millions.
The incident happened on the 2023 MLB season’s Opening Day, which took place last month. when Altuve’s Astros faced the Chicago White Sox in Houston, falling 3-2.
Altuve was at Minute Maid Park when his house was robbed as he had forgotten to set his alarms. Three men - Patrick Bernard Maxey (27), Jordan Tarniella (25) and William Jones Jr. (28) - broke into Altuve’s home shortly before 8:30pm CT.
After 10 minutes, the trio departed with 13 watches - with one valued at over $400,000 according to KHOU. Prosecutors point to cell phone data to prove Maxey was at Altuve’s home during the incident, while video footage revealed the three men meeting prior to the incident.
Police believe at least two of the men scaled a fence and used a potted plant to gain entry to Altuve’s home through a window, according to the warrant. The second baseman - a two-time World Series champion - found the pot misplaced before he discovered the missing watches and jewellery from the break-in.
Altuve’s family lost either seven or 13 watches in the burglary, as separate court documents provide a different accounting. The watch brands reportedly include Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Hublot, Audemars Piguet and IWC Schafferhausen.
Both Maxey and Jones have two prior burglary convictions, while Tarniella admitted he was the getaway driver via his mother’s car. He also claimed the other two men offered to pay him for his role in the crime, but he never received any money.
Jasmyn Hall was also arrested and charged with evading police. Authorities believe she was with one of the suspects and tried to get away.
Altuve has not played for the Astros this season after breaking his thumb when hit by a pitch while representing Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic.
