Former Reds Pitcher Convicted of Murdering Father-in-Law
By Taylor Weiter
Posted: July 15, 2025, 6:07 PM
AUBURN, Calif. — Daniel Serafini, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent part of his career with the Cincinnati Reds, has been found guilty in a 2021 shooting that left his father-in-law dead and mother-in-law critically injured.
According to ABC News, a jury on Monday convicted the 51-year-old of first-degree murder for the death of Robert Gary Spohr, attempted murder of Wendy Wood, and first-degree burglary. Serafini is being held without bail as he awaits sentencing next month.
The incident occurred on June 5, 2021, when emergency crews responded to a home in Tahoe City, California, after reports of a shooting. Spohr was found dead at the scene, while Wood was gravely wounded. She survived the attack but later died by suicide in 2023.
Investigators said Serafini broke into the couple’s home and lay in wait before carrying out the attack. The motive was tied to a financial conflict involving a $1.3 million ranch renovation. In one text message, Serafini expressed anger about a $21,000 issue, writing, “I’m gonna kill them one day.”
Authorities also arrested 33-year-old Samantha Scott, described as Serafini’s lover and a close friend of his wife. She pleaded guilty to being an accessory earlier this year.
Serafini, a former first-round MLB draft pick in 1992, began his career with the Minnesota Twins and later played for several teams including the Cubs, Padres, Pirates, Reds, and Rockies. During his 2003 stint with the Cincinnati Reds, he went 1–3 and posted a 5.40 ERA over 10 games.
