SEATTLE — A professional musician is asking for the public's help in finding her $250,000 cello after it was stolen from her home in Seattle's Central District.
"I could barely breathe. I was in such shock and it feels a lot like grief," said Sarah Rommel. "I think right now I'm mostly feeling a profound sense of loss and not so much [on] how it happened. For me, I'm so focused on getting it back and ... using the grief, even anger, as determination."
Rommel is an internationally recognized musician, an artist in residence at the University of Washington, and a touring cellist.
Her relationship with her instrument, like most professionals, runs deep.
"Finding the right instrument is like finding the right life partner," Rommel said.
She's been without her prized possession for at least four days.
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) was called to her home around 5 p.m. Sunday for reports of a burglary. The homeowners told police the residence was broken into and an 1890 Enrico Marchetti cello with a blue and black carbon fiber case was taken. The cello was last seen on Saturday. Several bows and other items were also taken.
Police said the musical equipment is worth about $250,000 — most of the value coming from the cello alone.
Rommel told KING 5 she purchased the instrument about a year ago.
"I think I mostly miss the feeling and the resonance of the instrument and the ability to express myself through it," she said. "I really hope to see my cello end up on my front porch in the way it left. In one piece and with the bows."
Police said to call the SPD tip line at 206-233-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if you have any information about the stolen cello.
Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest and charges. You can remain anonymous when submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers.