Dan Serafini, a former MLB pitcher, is currently seeking a new trial after his July 2025 conviction for murdering his father-in-law Gary Spohr and attempting to murder his mother-in-law Wendy Wood in their 2021 Lake Tahoe home shooting.​
Hearing Details
On February 2, 2026, Serafini testified that his prior lawyers provided ineffective counsel by not introducing key evidence like a voicemail from Wood, who survived initial headshots but later died by suicide in 2023. In the played voicemail, Wood stated after shock therapy that she knew the shooter and it “wasn’t you,” addressing Serafini directly. He also claimed his team ignored his alibi, an eyewitness, and failed to call experts despite his $300,000 payment to them.​
Legal Basis
Serafini’s motion relies on ineffective assistance of counsel, a Sixth Amendment claim requiring proof of deficient performance and resulting prejudice under the Strickland v. Washington standard. Prior counsel called no witnesses during the three-week trial, which prosecutors tied to Serafini’s alleged motive of accessing a $23 million estate.
Case Background
Prosecutors argued Serafini was dropped off nearby by babysitter Samantha Scott, entered the home without forced entry during daylight (despite cars in the driveway), and targeted the couple while they boated with Serafini’s wife Erin and their sons. A earlier jury misconduct motion was dismissed in January 2026.​
Next Steps
Sentencing remains set for February 20, 2026, unless a new trial is granted; Erin Spohr attended the hearing despite filing for divorce post-conviction.
