"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. Spohr and Wood were loving grandparents and Serafini's crimes greatly impacted family members and friends."
"Prosecutors said Serafini hated his wife's wealthy parents and was heard saying he was willing to pay $20,000 to have them killed. Prosecutors showed jurors transcripts of angry emails and text messages between Serafini and his in-laws during the six-week trial."
"During his sentencing 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."
Daniel Serafini, a 51-year-old former Major League Baseball pitcher, was sentenced to life without parole for the 2021 shooting of his wife's parents during a burglary at their Lake Tahoe-area home. Serafini was convicted in July 2025 of first-degree murder of Gary Spohr and attempted murder of Wendy Wood, who survived the initial shooting but died a year later. Prosecutors presented evidence of Serafini's animosity toward his wealthy in-laws, including statements about paying $20,000 to have them killed, along with angry emails and text messages. During his 11-year MLB career, Serafini played for five teams. At sentencing, he maintained his innocence and claimed he was out with his wife the night of the shooting.
Read at ESPN.com
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