Baseball pitcher Blake Bivens’ wife’s brother fled police naked after allegedly killing his mum, sister and her son in rural Virginia
The wife, one-year-old son and mother in law of a Tampa Bays Rays pitcher have been found dead.
Blake Bivens’ wife’s brother has been arrested for first degree murder after the grim discovery in rural Virginia.
The pitcher, who is attached to MLB side the Tampa Bay Rays, has been playing minor league baseball for the Montgomery Biscuits.
The Biscuits have postponed tonight’s game as a mark of respect.
Sources close to ESPN have confirmed the 24-year-old’s tragic loss – with the family dog also said to have died.
A spokesman for the Tampa Bay Rays said: “Earlier today we learned that Blake Bivens … suffered a terrible family tragedy in southern Virginia.
“Our hearts are broken for Blake. We are grieving with him and will support him any way we can.”
A Minor League Baseball statement said: “Our thoughts & prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Blake Bivens in the wake of a terrible family tragedy, as well as the entire Rays organization, during this very difficult time.”
Journalist Jeff Parsons’ wrote: “Just an awful tragedy: The wife and child of Blake Bivens, a Double-A pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, were among three people killed in rural Virginia on Tuesday, sources tell ESPN.
“Police have charged Bivens’ wife’s brother with first-degree homicide.”
Local reports from 8News in Richmond name the suspect as 19-year-old Matthew Bernard, with the teen seen running naked from the area.
Officers caught up with him and used their pepper spray, although this failed to stop him.
The police then hit him with their batons, eventually apprehending him.
Neighbours called 911 over concerns about a shooting at Mr Bivens’ sister’s home.
Officers found a woman dead on the driveway and two other bodies inside, including that of Mr Bivens’ one-year-old son Cullen, WSLS reports.
About 100 police officers were sent to the incident.
Bivens’ Instagram is filled with posts of his young child and wife, while his twitter profile is a picture of him kissing her.
Below it are the words ‘Emily Marie’ and a love heart.
Many have paid showed support for the pitcher.
Bailey Srebnik wrote on twitter: “Shocked and heartbroken for Blake. Can’t even put into words how sad and empathetic I feel right now. Sending my love to the Bivens family.”
Another wrote: “Prayers up to Blake Bivens”.
Local schools were on lock down Tuesday morning as authorities searched for the suspect
