Former MLB pitcher Daniel Serafini, 51, was sentenced on Friday, Feb. 27 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his father-in-law Gary Spohr and the attempted murder of his mother-in-law Wendy Wood during a 2021 burglary at the couple’s home in Lake Tahoe, California.
Serafini was convicted in July 2025, with his sentencing coming more than six months after it was originally scheduled.
Serafini has maintained his innocence throughout, motioning for multiple re-trials, which have all been denied. The former left-handed pitcher had a sour relationship with his in-laws, but his attorneys argued the lack of physical evidence should have precluded a guilt verdict. Serafini claimed he was partying with his wife the night of the shooting.
Why was Daniel Serafini found guilty?
Prosecutors argued Serafini hated his wife’s parents and wanted their wealth. They also said that Serafini been heard telling his friends that he’d be willing to pay up to $20,000 to have them killed.
During the course of his six-week trial, multiple emails and text messages between Serafini and his in-laws were brought into evidence, showcasing Serafini’s vitriol towards them.
Serafini’s attorney argued that there was no physical evidence linking Serafini to the crime scene, and denied that his client had any motive to kill his parents despite their poor relationship.
Where will Daniel Serafini serve his sentence?
Serafini will serve his life sentence at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
When was Daniel Serafini drafted?
Serafini was drafted in the first round (26th overall) in 1992 by the Minnesota Twins, making his MLB debut in 1996 for the same team. In seven MLB seasons, he had a career 6.04 ERA while playing for the Twins, Chicago Cubs San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies.