Ex‑MLB Star Confesses to Leading 'White Guys' Group in Prison

Former professional baseball player Daniel Joseph Serafini is on the witness stand once again this week in his ongoing quest for a retrial following his murder conviction in 2024.

In July 2025, Serafini was found guilty of the first-degree murder of his father-in-law and the attempted murder of his mother-in-law. Serafini later filed a motion for a new trial in August 2025.

On Monday, February 9, prosecutors pressed the former Major League Baseball (MLB) player and laid out evidence to stop his push for a new trial, disputing claims of insufficient counsel.

Serafini, who declined to testify in his defense at his first trial, was forced to answer questions about his character that placed him in a tricky situation.

While under cross-examination on February 9, Serafini admitted that at one time he headed up a faction of inmates composed of “white guys“ while in jail, according to a KCRA, which reported from the courtroom. People magazine also reported the proceedings.

The athlete said under oath that he was a “keyholder” while incarcerated at South Placer County Jail. He lost the position after being transferred to another facility.

A keyholder is usually an inmate entrusted with authority over a specific, often overcrowded, section of a prison and may act as a liaison between inmates and staff.

Serafini told the court he was responsible for disciplining inmates who violated rules in his group, KCRA reported. He denied ordering assaults but admitted under oath that at least six inmates were punished with exercises, including one whom he ordered to do 500 burpees.

He said he had completed 500 burpees alongside the individual. He could not recall the specific offense but said the six who received punishment had “got caught scheming.”

Serafini confirmed that he committed insurance fraud and violated a restraining order filed by his first wife. He also acknowledged using illegal narcotics over the years along with his late father-in-law’s medications.

Serafini attacked his in-laws, Robert Gary Spohr, 70, and Wendy Wood, 68, in North Lake Tahoe in California in June 2021. Spohr died from a single gunshot, Wood survived two shots in the head.

Wood recovered from her injuries but took her own life in 2022. Her family said the attack traumatized her.

Before the attack, the family disputed a property renovation project. One text message attributed to Serafini read, “I’m going to kill them one day.”

During the first trial, prosecutors alleged that Serafini wanted to kill his in-laws so he could share his wife’s inheritance of their $23 million estate.

The judge will issue a decision by February 20, 2016. If the motion is denied, the judge will sentence Serafini on that date.