Ex-MLB pitcher Dan Serafini found guilty of first-degree murder

Prosecutors said that the fatal incident was over a $1.3 million ranch renovation project that led to an escalating conflict between Serafini and his in-laws.

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: July 15, 2025 4:40pm

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini was found guilty of first degree murder in a 2021 shooting that left one person dead and another injured.

The individual who died in the shooting was Robert Gary Spohr, 70, Serafani's father-in-law. Spohr's wife, Wendy Wood, was also shot, but eventually recovered from her injuries. She died by suicide in 2022, according to ESPN.

Prosecutors said that the fatal incident was over a $1.3 million ranch renovation project that led to an escalating conflict between Serafini and his in-laws. Prosecutors provided evidence of text messages from Serafini, including one that read, "I'm going to kill them one day."

There was also video footage shown in court of a man wearing a hood with a backpack going to the Spohr's house before the homicide took place.

Serfani will be sentenced Aug. 18 in Placer County, California.