Inside the Trial
The Placer County District Attorney’s Office tried the case with Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Miller leading the prosecution. The jury heard about the financial pressures and the family discord, along with surveillance clips and digital evidence that, prosecutors argued, placed the plan and motive squarely at Serafini’s feet.
The defense, led at trial by attorney David Dratman, argued there was no physical evidence tying Serafini to the scene. They pointed jurors to home-security footage of a masked intruder who, the defense contended, appeared younger and smaller than the former pro athlete. In closing, Dratman underscored that the in-laws had been generous to Serafini and his wife—“Does that provide a motive for murder? That’s killing the golden goose.” Court TVABC 10 News San Diego KGTV
Jurors acquitted Serafini of a separate child-endangerment charge.
What Changes Before Sentencing
In the frantic days leading up to sentencing, Serafini substituted new counsel and asked the court to continue today’s hearing, citing the need to review a 367-page probation report that includes more than $1.3 million in proposed restitution for one of the victims’ daughters. Court filings also preview a motion for new trial premised on alleged juror misconduct tied to media interviews. Prosecutors responded that post-verdict interviews do not constitute misconduct and that the defense could have filed earlier.
