Arrests Made in North Lake Tahoe Murder: Seeking Justice for Robert Gary Spohr and Wendy Wood
Two suspects have finally been apprehended in connection with the murder of Robert Gary Spohr, 70, and the attempted murder of his spouse, Wendy Wood, 68, in their Homewood house in North Lake Tahoe back in 2021. After an extensive two-year search, Danny Serafini, 49, was arrested in Winnemucca, NV, while Samantha Scott, 33, was apprehended in Las Vegas with the assistance of various law enforcement agencies.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspects and the victims were acquainted with one another. The motive behind the tragic incident remains unclear.
The Harrowing Events of June 5, 2021
On that fateful day, deputies responded to a 911 call from the couple’s home. However, upon arrival, they found no one on the line. Upon entering the residence, they discovered Robert Spohr deceased from a single gunshot wound, while Wendy Wood had sustained a gunshot wound to the head but was still alive, albeit unresponsive. She was immediately rushed to the ICU, where she eventually recovered from her injuries. Unfortunately, Wood passed away a year later, although it remains uncertain if her death was directly related to the injuries she sustained in the attack.
The Homewood community was left in shock by the sudden and brutal attack. Residents expressed their disbelief, with one neighbor describing the incident as something out of a movie. The peaceful neighborhood, typically filled with families and children, was shattered by the tragic event.
Initial Visual Clues and a Daughter’s Plea
Investigators initially relied on video surveillance from a camera along West Lake Boulevard, which captured an individual wearing a hood and face-covering, as well as carrying a backpack, entering the victims’ home several hours before the attack occurred. This video provided the only visual information about the suspects.
In February 2022, the couple’s daughter, Adrienne Spohr, held a press conference where she announced a $150,000 reward for any information that could help in capturing the alleged shooter. She expressed her deep pain and devastation, emphasizing the need to find justice for her father and to bring closure to her shattered family.
A Step Towards Justice
With the recent arrests of Danny Serafini and Samantha Scott, the focus now shifts to the legal proceedings that lie ahead. The suspects are currently awaiting extradition from Nevada to Placer County, where they will be booked into the Placer County Jail.
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo expressed his appreciation for the dedication and persistence demonstrated by his detectives and law enforcement partners in solving this complex case. He emphasized their unwavering commitment to unraveling the truth and holding those who harm the community accountable.
According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Serafini will face charges of murder, attempted murder, and child abuse/endangerment.
As the legal process continues, we hope that justice will be served, providing some solace to the grieving families and the Homewood community. Our thoughts go out to the loved ones of Robert Gary Spohr and Wendy Wood during this difficult time. May they find strength and support as they navigate the path towards healing and closure.