AUBURN, Calif. — Former MLB pitcher Daniel Serafini was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Friday for shooting and killing his wife’s parents during a burglary of their Lake Tahoe home in 2021, authorities said.
Serafini, 51, was convicted in July 2025 the first-degree murder of his father-in-law, Gary Spohr; the attempted murder of his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood; and first degree theft. Spohr was killed, and Wood survived, although she died a year after the shooting.
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said in a statement Friday that Spohr and Wood were loving grandparents and that Serafini’s crimes deeply affected family members and friends.
“The impact of this attack extends far beyond the immediate victims, deeply impacting family members and the broader community and highlighting the lasting harm that deliberate violence can cause,” Giri said.
Serafini’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
During his sentencing hearing, Serafini addressed the court and maintained his innocence, According to MyNews4. He said he was partying with his wife the night of the shooting and described himself as a “broken, imperfect man who makes mistakes.”
Serafini was drafted minnesota twins In 1992. In an 11-year career, the left-hander played for chicago cubs, San Diego Padres, pittsburgh pirates, cincinnati reds And colorado rockies.
Prosecutors said Serafini hated his wife’s wealthy parents and was overheard saying he was willing to pay $20,000 to kill them. Sacramento B. Prosecutors showed jurors transcripts of angry emails and text messages between Serafini and her in-laws.
During the six-week trial, Serafini’s attorney David Dratman argued that there was no physical evidence linking his client to the crime scene. Dratman told the jury that although Serafini had a bad relationship with her in-laws, she had no motive to kill them.
After his conviction, Serafini filed several petitions for a new trial, but they were denied.
According to the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, Serafini will serve his sentence at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
