CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini is seeking a new trial following his conviction in the 2021 killing of his father-in-law and the attempted murder of his mother-in-law in California.
Serafini was found guilty of murdering Gary Spohr and attempting to murder Wendy Wood after a six-week trial that included testimony from dozens of witnesses and extensive forensic evidence. Prosecutors said Serafini shot both victims inside their North Lake Tahoe home in an effort to gain access to their estimated $23 million estate.
This week, Serafini’s attorneys argued in court that his previous legal team failed to present key evidence, including a voicemail left by Wood in which she said she knew who shot her and that it was not Serafini. Defense attorneys said Wood left the message after receiving shock therapy. Wood survived being shot twice in the head but later died by suicide in 2023.
Serafini was arrested in October 2023 following a two-year investigation. Prosecutors presented digital evidence, cell phone data and surveillance video showing a masked individual walking toward the victims’ home before the shooting. Trial evidence also placed Serafini inside the home nearly three hours before the attack.
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Danny Serafini has been found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder of his in-laws, Robert Gary Spohr and Wendy Wood{ }(Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office)
Serafini has maintained his innocence, arguing that ineffective counsel prevented the jury from hearing evidence supporting an alibi and eyewitness testimony. A separate motion for a new trial based on alleged jury misconduct was denied in January.
Serafini’s wife, Erin Spohr, the daughter of the victims, testified during the trial that she did not believe her husband committed the crimes.
Dan Serafini #50 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 11, 2003 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Serafini, 51, played in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs. He last pitched in the majors in 2007 and retired from professional baseball in 2013.
He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 20 unless a judge grants his request for a new trial.