Daniel Serafini sentenced to life without parole for Lake Tahoe in-law killing

daniel serafini was sentenced Friday, Feb. 27, in Placer County to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 shooting that killed his father-in-law and gravely wounded his mother-in-law. The judge also imposed separate life and long-term prison terms that will run consecutively, with restitution to be determined at a later date.

Judge imposes multiple consecutive sentences

The judge handed down a life sentence without parole for the murder of 70-year-old Gary Spohr and a second life sentence for the attempted murder of 68-year-old Wendy Wood. Serafini received an additional 25 years to life for first-degree burglary. The court ordered all three sentences to be served consecutively, and the judge said restitution will be determined later.

Verdict came after jury conviction 193 days earlier

A jury had found Serafini guilty 193 days earlier of first-degree murder, lying in wait and first-degree burglary in the killing of Gary Spohr, and convicted him of attempted murder in the shooting of Wendy Wood. Prosecutors said Serafini broke into the Homewood residence in June 2021 and waited for the couple to return from a boating outing before opening fire.

Daniel Serafini’s courtroom remarks and defense claims

At the sentencing hearing Serafini maintained his innocence, called jurors "dishonest" and "liars, " and said he was out partying with his wife the night of the shooting. He described himself as "a broken, imperfect man that makes mistakes, " but did not express responsibility for the killings. The judge rejected Serafini’s claims that he was denied due process, saying he received due process "before, during and after the trial" and "vigorous advocacy throughout the whole process. "

Prosecutors’ motive and victim impact statements

Prosecutors told the jury they believed Serafini’s motive was financial: that he thought he could acquire the couple’s $23 million fortune through his wife’s inheritance. Victim impact statements described the crime as fueled by "pure hate, " saying it rocked the community and ruined a family. The judge called the case a tragedy for everyone involved and for the broader community.

Testimony on the night of the attack and aftermath

Serafini’s former babysitter, Samantha Scott, testified that on June 5, 2021, she drove him near his in-laws’ home and drove him home shortly after the time of the incident. Security footage from that day showed an individual entering the Spohrs’ home; Scott said the clothes worn by that individual matched clothing Serafini disposed of that night and that he disposed of a gun along with his clothing. Prosecutors said Serafini hid in the home for five hours before opening fire, fatally shooting Gary Spohr in the head and shooting Wendy Wood in the head and shoulder.

Family testimony and claims of continued financial pursuit

Serafini’s estranged sister-in-law, Adrienne Spohr, told the courtroom, "He is a monster who knows no moral boundaries and has zero reservations about taking the lives of others to benefit himself. " Adrienne said Serafini continued to seek financial gain from the family even after the attack, alleging he cashed a $200, 000 check made out to him from her mother’s account weeks after holding a gun to her head and pulling the trigger. She also described a disturbing family vacation she said was framed as aiding recovery but in reality benefited Serafini and his wife.

Erin Spohr, Serafini’s wife, did not appear in court; a statement of support was read on her behalf asking the judge for leniency.

Judge rebukes defendant’s remarks and discusses counsel questions

The judge admonished Serafini’s sentencing statements, saying they showed deflection rather than remorse: "What I heard today was not reflection, it was deflection, " and noting there was no remorse expressed for the victims. The court addressed Serafini’s request for a new trial and his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel for not testifying, saying Serafini came across as a "shot caller" and "key holder" and that the decision not to testify did not amount to ineffective assistance.

Wendy Wood survived the initial attack and underwent intense physical therapy for two years before taking her own life. Serafini will spend the remainder of his life in prison without the possibility of parole; the court set restitution to be determined at a later date.