Seattle Police investigate theft of rare cello worth $250k

Rare cello stolen in home burglary

Seattle Police are seeking leads after the theft of a rare cello valued at roughly $250,000 from a home in the Central District.

SEATTLE - Seattle Police are seeking leads after the theft of a rare cello valued at roughly $250,000 from a home in the Central District.

On May 5, around 5 p.m., officers responded to a burglary report at a residence near 24th Avenue and E Pine St. The homeowners came home to find their front door ajar and a window shattered. The cello, last accounted for on May 4, was among several items noticed missing.

Sarah Rommel spoke to FOX 13 and said her cello was stolen ahead of her performance scheduled for next week in Boston.

"There's certainly a lot of grieving right now," said Rommel.

Rommel says friends, the larger musical community across the country and neighbors have been trying to help her track down her instrument.

"One of my neighbors did mention that she was woken up at 4 am on May 5th," said Rommel. "[My neighbor] heard multiple male voices in the vicinity."

The stolen string instrument is an 1890 Enrico Marchetti cello, distinctively stored in a case composed of blue and black carbon fiber. Along with the cello and bows, other miscellaneous items have also been reported missing.

"There's a mark on the back of the instrument that some people say looks like a llama, said Rommel. "There is a label on the inside of the instrument that says it was made by Enrico Marchetti in the year of 1890."

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An image released by Seattle Police shows the rare cello that was stolen. (Image released by Seattle Police Department)

SPD detectives are actively working on the case. Anyone who might have knowledge regarding the burglary or whereabouts of the cello and related items is strongly encouraged to contact the SPD Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.

Alternatively, tipsters can reach out to Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-800-222-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. All information is handled in strict confidentiality by Crime Stoppers and you can remain anonymous. For information that leads to an arrest and charge, they provide a reward that can reach up to $1,000.