Former MLB pitcher Dan Serafini sentenced to life in prison without parole in Tahoe murder

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini was sentenced Friday in Placer County to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 shooting that killed his father-in-law and gravely wounded his mother-in-law at their Lake Tahoe-area home.

The sentencing comes 193 days after a jury found Serafini guilty of first-degree murder, lying in wait and first-degree burglary in the killing of 70-year-old Gary Spohr. He was also convicted of attempted murder in the shooting of 68-year-old Wendy Wood, who survived the attack but later died by suicide.

Prosecutors said Serafini broke into the Homewood residence in June 2021 and waited for the couple to return from a boating outing before opening fire.

During Friday’s hearing, Serafini addressed the court and maintained his innocence. He said he was out partying with his wife the night of the shooting and described himself as a “broken, imperfect man that makes mistakes.” He did not express responsibility for the killings.

In handing down the sentence of life without parole, the judge rejected Serafini’s previous claims that he was denied due process. The court said Serafini had due process “before, during and after the trial” and received “vigorous advocacy throughout the whole process.” The judge emphasized there was no violation of Serafini’s rights and that the conviction was based on the evidence presented to the jury.

Addressing Serafini’s request for a new trial, the judge referenced his argument that he received poor legal advice not to testify in his own defense. The judge said Serafini came across as a “shot caller” and “key holder,” adding that the decision not to testify did not amount to ineffective assistance of counsel.

The court also told Serafini that his time in prison should be used for reflection and personal growth, encouraging him to become a better person and continue helping others while incarcerated. However, the judge criticized Serafini’s remarks at sentencing.

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“What I heard today was not reflection, it was deflection,” the judge said, noting there was no remorse expressed for the victims, but rather a focus on himself.

Victim impact statements described the crime as fueled by “pure hate,” saying it rocked the community and ruined a family. The judge called the case a tragedy for everyone involved and for the broader community.

Serafini will spend the remainder of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.