Ex-Major League Pitcher Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murder
Daniel Serafini, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in California. The 52-year-old was convicted in July of first-degree murder of his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, attempted murder of his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood, and first-degree burglary. Wood tragically took her own life one year after the 2021 shooting, with Serafini charged for the crimes in 2023.
Prosecutors Allege Inheritance Motive Behind Brutal Attack
Prosecutors alleged that Serafini executed the 2021 hit to secure his wife's share of a massive $23 million inheritance, just hours after she had left her family's property. According to court statements, Serafini hated his in-laws and was heard telling friends he would pay $20,000 to have them killed. Spohr was 'executed' with a bullet to the back of his head, while Wood was struck by gunfire.
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire emphasized the profound impact of the attack in a statement on Friday. '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.
Victim's Daughter Condemns Serafini as 'True Evil'
Adrienne Spohr, daughter of the victims, spoke out against Serafini during the trial. 'Daniel is true evil,' she stated. 'I'm left with the lasting image of my dad shot in the back of the head and my mom lying on her back bleeding out. Dan destroyed the lives of my parents and all four of their children.' She added, 'Danny Serafini should never see the outside of a prison ever again.'
Serafini Maintains Innocence and Makes Shocking Admissions
The journeyman pitcher maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he was partying with his wife when the shooting occurred. Serafini described himself as a 'broken, imperfect man that makes mistakes.' However, during a high-stakes bid for a new trial, he made several shocking admissions.
He confirmed he held the title of 'keyholder'—slang for a leader of an inmate faction—while being held at the South Placer County Jail during the proceedings. Serafini admitted to leading a group of 'white guys' during those months, though he noted he lost the status after being transferred to a different facility. While he denied ordering physical assaults, he admitted under oath that at least six inmates were forced to perform exercises as a form of non-violent punishment for breaking inmate rules.
Serafini further admitted to using a variety of illegal narcotics over the years and confessed to using his late father-in-law's prescription medication after his death.
Background: MLB Career and Personal Life
Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1992, Serafini's MLB career lasted 11 years and included stints with the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Colorado Rockies. He later owned a bar with his wife, Erin, which was featured in a 2015 episode of Bar Rescue. Erin filed for divorce a week after his conviction.
During the trial, prosecutors questioned Erin about Serafini's years-long affair with her friend and occasional babysitter, Samantha Scott. That affair allegedly began after the 2021 shooting. Scott previously pleaded guilty to being an accessory and is due back in court in March for her sentencing.
