by Auburn, California — Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Serafini has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 shooting of his wife’s parents at their Lake Tahoe-area home.
The 51-year-old was convicted in July 2025 of first-degree murder, attempted murder and first-degree burglary following a six-week trial in Placer County.
Father-in-Law Killed, Mother-in-Law Later Died
According to the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, Serafini was found guilty in the fatal shooting of his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, during what prosecutors described as a burglary at the couple’s home near Lake Tahoe in 2021.
His mother-in-law, Wendy Wood, survived the initial attack but died roughly a year later.
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said the crime had lasting consequences for the victims’ loved ones and the broader community.
“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.”
Prosecutors: Motive Stemmed from Family Conflict
Prosecutors argued that Serafini harbored resentment toward his wife’s wealthy parents. According to court proceedings cited by the Sacramento Bee, jurors were shown transcripts of angry emails and text messages between Serafini and his in-laws.
Prosecutors also alleged that Serafini had previously stated he would be willing to pay $20,000 to have them killed.
The defense, however, maintained there was no physical evidence directly linking Serafini to the crime scene. His attorney argued that although family tensions existed, there was no proof he committed the shootings.
Serafini Maintains Innocence
During his sentencing hearing, Serafini addressed the court and continued to deny responsibility for the crime. He told the judge he had been out with his wife on the night of the shooting and described himself as:
“A broken, imperfect man that makes mistakes.”
Following his conviction, Serafini filed several motions requesting a new trial. Those motions were denied.
He will now serve his sentence under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Former MLB Career
Before his legal troubles, Serafini had an 11-year professional baseball career. Drafted in 1992 by the Minnesota Twins, the left-handed pitcher went on to play for several MLB teams, including the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies.
His sentencing marks a dramatic fall from professional sports to a life sentence behind bars.
The case drew national attention due to Serafini’s professional background and the nature of the crime, which prosecutors described as deliberate and devastating.
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