Ex-MLB pitcher, Dan Serafini, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his father-in-law and attempted murder of his mother-in-law.
A jury sentenced Serafini to life in prison without the possibility of parole, on Friday, Feb. 27, for the murder of his father-in-law Gary Spohr. Serafini also received a life sentence for the attempted murder of his mother-in-law Wendy Wood, who took her own life two years after the crime. Serafini was then given a sentence of 25 years to life for burglary.
The judge ordered that all three sentences be served consecutively and that restitution would be determined at a later date.
Serafini’s estranged sister-in-law, Adrienne Spohr, told the courtroom, “He is a monster who knows no moral boundaries and has zero reservations about taking the lives of others to benefit himself.”
During the trial, prosecutors said Serafini’s motive for committing the crime was that he believed he would be able to acquire the couple’s $23 million fortune through his wife’s inheritance.
Serafini’s wife, Erin Spohr, did not appear in court but a statement of support was read on her behalf that asked the judge for leniency.
Adrienne claimed that Serafini had continued to seek financial gain from her family even after the murder of her father and attempted murder of her mother.
“Dan showed no remorse. He cashed a $200,000 check made out to him from my mom’s account, just weeks after holding a gun to her head and pulling the trigger,” she told the judge.
Adrienne continued to tell the courtroom about a disturbing situation during a family vacation saying, “Dan and Erin claimed it would benefit my mom’s recovery, but in reality, they were looking for a self-indulgent getaway at her expense.”
Serafini gave his own remarks to the courtroom proclaiming his innocence and accused jurors of being “dishonest” and “liars” regarding the evidence in the case.
Serafini’s former babysitter, Samantha Scott, testified that on June 5, 2021, she drove him near his in-laws home and drove him home shortly after the time of the incident. Security footage from that day showed an individual entering the Spohr’s home.
Scott testified that those clothes worn by that individual matched Serafini’s that he had disposed of that night. Scott also testified that Serafini disposed of a gun along with his clothing.
Serafini hid in the home for five hours before fatally shooting his father-in-law in the head and his mother-in-law in the head and shoulder. While Wood survived the attack, she underwent intense physical therapy for two years before her suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, call or text 988 to connect to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.