Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini has been denied a new murder trial by a California judge, marking the second failed attempt to overturn his conviction. The 52-year-old was found guilty last July of murdering his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, 70, and attempting to kill his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood, 68, in a brutal 2021 home invasion.
Judge's Harsh Rebuke and Sentencing
Judge Garen J. Horst rejected Serafini's latest motion, which claimed jury misconduct and ineffective counsel. During the ruling, the judge delivered a scathing assessment, labeling Serafini a "liar, manipulator, arrogant and someone who has a loose relationship with the truth," according to KCRA reports. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, seven months after the conviction, where Serafini faces life in prison.
Details of the Crime and Trial
Prosecutors alleged that Serafini broke into the Homewood, California home of his in-laws on June 5, 2021, waiting three hours before attacking them with a .22-caliber gun. The motive was reportedly to share in his estranged wife's inheritance from their $23-million estate. Spohr died in the ambush, while Wood survived two gunshot wounds to the head but later died by suicide in 2023, with family citing trauma from the incident as a factor. Two children under three were present but unharmed.
Serafini's Defense Arguments
Serafini, who played for six MLB teams including the Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds, argued in his motion that his previous lawyers failed to introduce a voicemail from Wood as evidence. In the voicemail, Wood stated, "I had restoration of my visions due to electric therapy and I know who the shooter was and it wasn't you." However, prosecutors countered with a recording of Wood identifying Serafini as the gunman in a post-shooting interview with detectives.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Aftermath
A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Erin Spohr's sister, Adrienne Spohr, names both Serafini and his estranged wife, though Erin has an alibi and has not been accused of wrongdoing. The suit is currently stayed until after Serafini's sentencing. The case has drawn significant attention due to Serafini's sports background and the violent nature of the crimes, with victim impact statements set to be read during the upcoming sentencing hearing.
