Ex-MLB Pitcher Convicted of Killing Father-in-Law and Shooting Mother-in-Law Breaks Silence From Prison
Dan Serafini, the former MLB pitcher convicted of murdering his father-in-law and attempting to murder his mother-in-law in 2021, says he was "crucified" by a jury that convicted him in July 2025 and sentenced him to life in prison.
He also says the justice system failed him and that he's innocent.
In a new interview set to air Friday at 9 p.m. ET on NBC's Dateline, the disgraced former professional baseball player explained to Keith Morrison why he maintains his innocence, despite a jury concluding that his actions "were deliberate and premeditated" when he shot Robert Gary Spohr and Wendy Wood at their home in Lake Tahoe following a financial dispute. As widely reported, Wood survived the attack but she died by suicide a year later.
Why Serafini Believes He's Innocent
Serafini explained that "the justice system failed" him because the case was "circumstantial."
"I believe the circumstantial stuff that they had was just making up a story. They had no proof, no anything," he tells Morrison from behind a glass in prison in an excerpt. "[The jury] just didn't like me. They didn't like my lifestyle. They didn't like the way I acted in court, which I didn't act anyway. So I sat there like I was supposed to because my lawyers told me to. Don't react. Don't respond. Sit there like nothing is bothering you."
He added, "And I did. And I got crucified for it."
Related: Former MLB Player Gets Life in Prison for Murdering His In-Laws
Serafini Convicted of Shooting Couple in the Head
Serafini was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and first-degree burglary following a six-week trial in Placer County, California, after prosecutors successfully argued the former MLB pitcher waited inside the couple's home before launching the brutal attack.
What's more, prosecutors argued in court that Serafini hated his wife's wealthy parents, which he conveyed in emails and text messages shown to the jury.
In short, prosecutors said Serafini targeted his wife's parents to inherit millions of dollars.
Serafini played with the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies. He played in the big leagues for seven seasons.
Dateline's "Deadly Swagger" airs Friday, April 17 at 9 p.m. ET.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 5:54 PM.