Pascual Perez was killed in an apparent robbery at his home in the Dominican Republic, according to police Thursday. He was 55.
Perez, a former major league pitcher, was found by his ex-wife Maritza Montero around 8:30 a.m. Thursday. According to Joel Valdemiro, a prosecutor involved in the investigation, he had a severe head wound and there was evidence at the scene to suggest that the person(s) that killed him was searching for money.
Investigators said Perez was killed at least eight hours before Montero found him.
“It’s an act of criminality, unfortunately,” Valdemiro said.
Authorities have not made any arrest in connection to the murder and did not reveal whether they had any suspects. Police did confirm that the house appeared to have been ransacked and there were multiple assailants involved.
Officials have yet to determine the exact cause of death, but Perez had a fractured skull from a serve blow to the head.
Perez spent 11 season in the majors playing for the Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Yankees with a lifetime record of 67-68.
Most of his career was plagued by trouble off the field.
In April of 1984 he was suspended by the Braves after a Jan. 9 arrest in the Dominican Republic on charges of cocaine possession.
In 1989, during his time with the Expos, he spent two months in a drug rehabilitation facility after failing to finish rehab programs twice before. Perez was able to avoid a suspension because he agreed to accept a minimum one-year suspension if he tested positive for cocaine again.
The commissioner’s office suspended him in March of 1992 for failing a drug test the day he arrived to Yankees spring training. Perez was in the final year of his three-year $5.7 million contract, but never returned to a major league mound.
The death of Perez touch the hearts of many fans and organizations.
“We were shocked to hear the news of Pascual Perez’ death earlier today,” said Braves president John Schuerholz in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during the aftermath of this tragic event. Pascual left his mark with the Braves organization and will always be remembered fondly by Braves fans.”
