Former MLB pitcher Daniel Serafini testifies in Auburn as he pushes for a new trial

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Serafini is asking for a new trial after being convicted of killing his father-in-law and attempting to kill his mother-in-law.

Serafini took the stand Monday at the Auburn Historic Courthouse, arguing that his former attorneys did not provide adequate legal representation during his trial.

Before the hearing began, jurors from Serafini’s first trial told ABC10 they felt a responsibility to see the case through. They said they want justice for the victims’ family, with one juror describing the current proceedings as “pageantry” and saying Serafini appears to be trying to delay justice.

Serafini testified while wearing a bright orange jail jumpsuit, a contrast from his appearance during the trial that began last year and lasted about two months.

A jury found Serafini guilty of murdering his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, and attempting to murder his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood. Prosecutors said the two were shot inside their Tahoe-area home on June 5, 2021.

According to the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, Serafini is now claiming his former attorneys, David Dratman and David Fischer, failed to meet the minimum legal standard required for effective representation. The judge will ultimately decide whether Serafini has met the legal threshold for insufficient counsel.

During questioning by his new attorney, Serafini was asked about his whereabouts on the day of the shooting and the days that followed. He testified that he was working for the Cortez Mine in Nevada at the time.

Serafini also testified about a romantic relationship with a neighbor, Candice Taylor. He said he went to her home the morning of June 5 but received no answer. He testified that he then returned to his trailer, grabbed tools, stopped at a nearby gas station, and later went to a property before returning to his trailer, where he ate, fell asleep, and stayed in for the night.

That account differs from the version of events presented by prosecutors during the original trial.

Serafini also testified that after speaking with law enforcement on June 8, he told Taylor what to say to the police. He said she was upset and did not want her husband to find out about their relationship, describing him as a jealous person.

When asked whether he discussed the importance of Taylor’s testimony with his former attorneys, Serafini said he raised the issue multiple times.

Serafini’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20 and is expected to move forward unless the judge grants a new trial.

The district attorney’s office said Serafini’s former attorneys are expected to return to court for a hearing set for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 13.

ABC10 also reached out to the offices of both former attorneys and is waiting to hear back.

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