Former MLB pitcher sentenced to life in prison without parole for
shooting his in-laws
[February 28, 2026]
By JESSICA HILL
Auburn, Calif. (AP) — Former MLB pitcher Daniel
Serafini was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility
of parole in the 2021 shooting of his wife’s parents during a burglary
at their home by Lake Tahoe, authorities said.
Serafini, 51, was convicted in July 2025 of first-degree murder of his
father-in-law, Gary Spohr, attempted murder of his mother-in-law, Wendy
Wood, and first-degree burglary. Spohr was killed and Wood survived,
though she died a year after the shooting. |
Italy's Dan Serafini throws before the first inning of an exhibition
spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday,
March 6, 2013, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File) |
|
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said in a Friday
statement that Spohr and Wood were loving grandparents and that
Serafini's crimes greatly impacted family members and friends.
“The impact of this attack has extended far beyond the immediate
victims, deeply affecting family members and the broader
community, and highlighting the lasting harm caused by
deliberate violence," Gire said.
Serafini’s attorney did not return requests for comment.
During his sentencing hearing, Serafini addressed the court and
maintained his innocence, according to MyNews4. He said he was
out partying with his wife the night of the shooting and
described himself as a “broken, imperfect man that makes
mistakes."
Serafini was drafted in 1992 by the Minnesota Twins. In a career
spanning 11 years, the left-hander played for the Chicago Cubs,
San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and
Colorado Rockies.
Prosecutors said Serafini hated his wife’s wealthy parents and
was heard saying he was willing to pay $20,000 to have them
killed, according to the Sacramento Bee. Prosecutors showed
jurors transcripts of angry emails and text messages between
Serafini and his in-laws.
During the six-week trial, Serafini’s attorney David Dratman
argued there was no physical evidence linking his client to the
crime scene. He told the jury that although Serafini had a rocky
relationship with his in-laws, he did not have motive to kill
them.
Following his conviction, Serafini filed multiple motions for a
new trial, but those were denied.
Serafini will serve his sentence at the California Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation, according to the Placer County
District Attorney's Office.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
|
