In 2021, police responded to an emergency call from a home in Tahoe City, California, where Gary Spohr was found dead and his wife Wendy Wood was seriously injured by gunshot wounds. Both people were the former in-laws of former MLB pitcher Daniel Serafini, who played for six different teams from 1996 to 2007. During the investigation, detectives determined that Serafini was responsible for the crimes. He was booked into the Auburn jail in October 2023.
However, letters written by Serafini revealed by his lover, Samantha Scott, have put him in a predicament. She testified against him in court and read some of the love notes sent after he was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder for shooting his wife’s parents. “I love you and think about you a lot every day. As crazy as it sounds, I wish we had more days in court just so I could see your face. I wish I could tell you not to be so afraid, but I understand that you are. There is nothing to fear. And soon it will be over,” she said.
In the letters, Serafini proposed to Scott a life together away from the courts
In a letter, Serafini shared his plans after getting out of jail and meeting Samantha. “The first plan is to go to the airport parking lot and get away or maybe do a couple of road trips to clear some things up. Also, take pictures of some places. I’m pretty sure there will be some stops on the way there and back,” Serafini allegedly wrote.
According to Scott, Serafini allegedly signed the note in a strange way: “Soon we will be free. I love you and always will,” signed as “The Wolf” who was not sure what Serafini meant when he described himself with that nickname. Scott’s testimony was part of a deal she made with prosecutors that allowed her to plead guilty to the lesser charge of complicity, People magazine reported. In the letters, Serafini claimed he was writing a book to help pay Scott’s attorney fees.“I also hire you to help me finish it”.
The verdict will put an end to Serafini’s ‘travel’ plans
On July 14, a Placer County jury found Serafini guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder of his in-laws. The jury also found him guilty of first-degree burglary. Sentencing is expected to take place on Monday, August 18.
In addition, a month later, the victims’ daughter and Serafini’s ex-wife, Adrienne Spohr, mentioned that her mother (Wendy Wood), suffered brain damage as a result of the shooting and died by suicide in an assisted living facility in 2023. “The anguish of losing my father, and knowing who was responsible, was unbearable,” Adrienne said. While awaiting sentencing, Adrienne hopes the public will remember her mother and father as two “strong” people who left the world too soon.
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