Former Minnesota Twins Player Killed Father-In-Law: Police

PLACER COUNTY, CA — Former Minnesota Tiwns pitcher Danny Serafini and a woman were arrested Friday in connection with the murder of Serafini's father -in-law and the attempted murder of his mother-in-law, authorities said.

Serafini, 49, and Samantha Scott, 33, were taken into custody in Nevada and face charges related to the June 2021 fatal shooting of Robert Gary Spohr, 70, and the shooting of Wendy Wood, 68, in North Lake Tahoe. Wood survived the attack, but died last year; it's unclear if her death was related to the shooting.

A statement from the sheriff's office in Placer County, California, said that video surveillance showed a hooded man wearing a face covering and a backpack walking to the residence several hours before the shooting.

"The information and evidence detectives gathered led them to identify Serafini and Scott as the suspects," the statement said. "Both suspects are known to each other and to the victims."

The case began June 5, 2021, when deputies received a 911 call from a residence in Homewood. Deputies arrived at the home and found Spohr deceased as a result of a single gunshot wound, according to sheriff's officials.

After two years of investigation, detectives and the U.S. Marshal Service arrested Serafini in Winnemucca, NV and Scott in Las Vegas Saturday.

The sheriff’s office is now awaiting Serafini’s and Scott’s extradition from Nevada into Placer County.

Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo praised the police work that led to the arrests.

“Today, justice was served," he said. "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."

During his seven-year professional career, Searfini also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs.