Former MLB pitcher and accomplice arrested for murder
A former big-league pitcher along with his female accomplice were arrested in Nevada on October 20 in connection to the shooting murder of an elderly Lake Tahoe man, and the attempted murder of that man’s wife.
Following a two-year investigation involving California’s Placer County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO,) former MLB pitcher Danny Serafini, 49, and 33-year-old Samantha Scott were arrested yesterday morning in Nevada for the 2021 Homewood murder of 70-year-old Robert Gary Spohr and the attempted murder of 68-year-old Wendy Wood.
The two victims are Serafini’s father and mother in-law, Sgt. David Smith, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, confirmed Friday night. ~ NBC News
During his seven seasons, Serafini, a left-handed relief pitcher, played for the Minnesota Twins (1996–1998), Chicago Cubs (1999), San Diego Padres (2000), Pittsburgh Pirates (2000), Chinatrust Whales (2002), Cincinnati Reds (2003), Chiba Lotte Marines (2004–2005), Orix Buffaloes (2006–2007) and the Colorado Rockies (2007).
PCSO detectives assisted in the apprehension of Serafini in Winnemucca, Nevada, and assisted in the apprehension of Scott in Las Vegas.
Background: On June 5, 2021, PCSO deputies received a 911 call from a residence in Homewood, a neighborhood in North Lake Tahoe. Deputies arrived at the home and found Robert Gary Spohr deceased as a result of a single gunshot wound. Robert’s wife, Wendy, had also been shot but was taken to a nearby hospital where she recovered from her injuries.
Tragically, Wendy passed away a year later. During the early stages of the investigation, video surveillance was obtained from the home and along West Lake Boulevard, revealing a hooded male wearing a face-covering and a backpack walking to the residence several hours before the homicide occurred.
Since then and over the last two years, PCSO detectives continued to follow leads in the case. The information and evidence they gathered led them to identify Serafini and Scott as the suspects. Both suspects are known to each other and to the victims.
After the arrests, Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo praised the hard work and dedication put forth by detectives and the DA’s Office saying:
“Today, justice was served. The apprehension of those responsible for the tragic events that unfolded in Homewood, North Lake Tahoe in 2021 stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our detectives, law enforcement partners, and the persistence of our pursuit of truth. Understand that my team’s commitment to unraveling the most complex of cases prevails, and those who inflict harm upon our community will be held accountable every time.”
The sheriff’s office reported that they are now awaiting Serafini’s and Scott’s extradition from Nevada to Placer County to face charges.
For more on the arrests of Serafini and Scott in connection to the alleged killing and attempted murder of Serafini’s in-laws in Lake Tahoe, see the video accompanying this article.
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(Source and cover photo: Placer County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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