[ad_1]
(FOX40.COM) – An Auburn courtroom was left stunned Monday after the highly anticipated sentencing of convicted killer and former Major League pitcher Daniel Serafini came to an unexpected halt.
Serafini, convicted of first-degree murder of his father-in-law and attempted murder of his mother-in-law in their Lake Tahoe home in 2021, was scheduled to be sentenced. Instead, the court agreed to delay the sentencing after Serafini’s attorneys filed a motion for a new trial, citing jury misconduct.
Jurors who sat through the roughly 2-month-long trial said the decision was disappointing.
“I really wasn’t expecting the possibility for a new trial,” said juror Gracee Butrick. “I thought it was going to be happening today.”
The defense motion came last week after jurors, including Butrick, made statements to the media following the verdict regarding Serafini’s demeanor in court.
“I know I definitely made a comment of a certain look he gave after the verdict reading,” said Butrick. “I still stand by the statement I made that day; it was definitely a negative look he gave that day, definitely had a negative feeling to it.”
The case has become more complicated after Serafini’s newly appointed attorney, Jeffrey Wood, withdrew from the case unexpectedly, leaving his original defense attorneys to represent him today. Butrick says she believes this move is delaying closure for the family.
“I feel like they’re just dragging it out. I feel like that’s hurtful for the family,” said Butrick.
Family members of the victims packed the courtroom on Monday, though Serafini’s wife was not in attendance.
Adrienne Spohr, daughter of the victims Robert Spohr and Wendy Wood, did not speak with members of the media but appeared emotional in the courtroom.
At this time, the judge has set a status conference for Aug. 29 at 8:30 am. The judge stated that cameras would not be allowed inside.
A hearing to consider the motion for a new trial and a possible new sentencing date is scheduled for Oct. 28 at 8:30 am.
The Placer County District Attorney’s Office said parts of the motion will be sealed and declined to provide further comment.
[ad_2]
Josie Heart
Source link