Dateline: True Crime Weekly – May 22, 2025

Hosted by Andrea Canning from NBC News, this episode of "Dateline: True Crime Weekly" delves into gripping criminal cases and provides insightful analysis from true crime experts. In this episode, Andrea covers the high-profile trial of a former Major League Baseball pitcher accused of murder, updates on the Karen Reed retrial, and explores the complexities of anonymous testimony in court. Below is a detailed summary of the episode’s key discussions and insights.

1. Former MLB Pitcher Dan Serafini on Trial for Murder

[03:07 – 10:13]

Andrea Canning introduces the case of Dan Serafini, a former Major League Baseball pitcher now standing trial for the murder of his parents-in-law, Gary and Wendy Wood. The tragic incident occurred on June 5, 2021, on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, California, where Serafini is accused of entering the Woods' home, hiding in a closet, and ultimately shooting Gary dead while Wendy survived with severe injuries.

Key Points:

• Victims’ Background: Gary and Wendy Wood were a successful couple involved in real estate, with an estate valued at over $10 million. They had two daughters, Erin and Adrian, and their son-in-law, Dan Serafini, faced financial struggles, reportedly depleting his MLB earnings to sustain his bar business in Sparks, Nevada.

• Evidence and Arrest: Initial evidence included CCTV footage showing a masked intruder entering and exiting the Woods' home, with gunshots heard minutes after. Two years after the incident, Dan Serafini was arrested based on financial motives and testimonies suggesting he harbored resentment towards his in-laws.

• Defense vs. Prosecution: Serafini maintains his innocence, arguing that the surveillance footage does not match his physical appearance. Conversely, prosecutors rely heavily on testimonies from key witnesses like Samantha Scott, who alleged an affair with Serafini and is pivotal to the prosecution's case.

Notable Quotes:

• Sue Simpson, Dateline Producer: “Serafini is a former major league baseball pitcher and was also featured in 2015 on an episode of the TV show Bar Rescue.” [03:07]
• Defense Attorney Robert Alessi: “Why kill the golden goose? Aaron's parents were giving them all the money they wanted to, so why put an end to that?” [09:47]

2. Retrial of Karen Reed in the Death of John O’Keefe

[10:13 – 19:10]

The retrial of Karen Reed continues in Dedham, Massachusetts, where she stands accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, by backing her SUV into him and leaving him to die in January 2022. This section covers the latest developments, including new forensic evidence and expert testimonies that aim to solidify the prosecution’s case.

Key Points:

• Case Background: Karen Reed has consistently pleaded not guilty, claiming that law enforcement orchestrated the charges against her following an altercation at an after-party where O’Keefe was allegedly beaten.

• New Forensic Evidence: The prosecution introduced DNA evidence and digital data from Reed’s SUV. DNA found on the vehicle's taillight matched O’Keefe and two unidentified individuals, raising questions about potential other parties involved.

• Expert Testimony: Nicholas Bradford, a DNA expert, and Shannon Burgess, a digital forensics expert, provided crucial insights. Burgess revealed previously overlooked data from the SUV's infotainment system, establishing a clearer timeline that aligns with the prosecution's narrative.

• Defense Strategy: The defense aggressively challenged the credibility of the prosecution’s forensic experts, particularly targeting Burgess’s educational qualifications to undermine his testimony.

Notable Quotes:

• Prosecutor: “The car was turned on at 12:12:36 am and turned off about 30 minutes later.” [15:11]
• Defense Attorney Robert Alessi: “Why kill the golden goose? Aaron's parents were giving them all the money they wanted to, so why put an end to that?” [09:47]
• Judge’s Statement: “Only this sentence could, quote, protect others from Linda and deter others from committing similar conduct.” [22:44]

3. Dateline Roundup: Key Updates

[19:10 – 26:35]

Andrea Canning and producer Rachel White provide brief updates on other significant cases:

a. Linda Stermer Retrial in the Murder of Todd Stermer

[21:21 – 23:02] Linda Stermer faces sentencing for the 2000 murder of her husband, Todd Stermer, whom she allegedly set on fire and ran over with a van. The family delivered heartfelt victim impact statements, emphasizing the brutal nature of Todd’s death. The court sentenced Stermer to life without parole, with the judge highlighting the heinousness of her actions.

Notable Quote:

• Vince Sterla: “I have zero forgiveness in my heart for Linda, and I hope when death comes for her, I hope it is as painful and as agonizing as the one you put Todd through.” [22:15]

b. Lori Valo Deba Back in Court

[23:02 – 26:04] Lori Valo Deba returned to court in Arizona for charges of conspiring to murder her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreau. Deba, who is representing herself, confronted the judge, accusing him of personal bias. The trial is set to begin on June 2 and is expected to last until June 13.

Notable Quote:

• Lori Valo Deba: “I have nothing to do with this.” [09:57]

c. Menendez Brothers’ Parole Hearing Delayed

[25:16 – 26:32] The Menendez brothers, serving life sentences for killing their parents, saw their parole hearing postponed from June 13 to August 21 and 22. The delay allows for more preparation time, amidst ongoing clemency efforts.

4. The Complexities of Testifying Anonymously

[26:35 – 31:09]

The episode features an insightful interview with Attorney Lindsey Goldbrum, a partner at Goddard Law, who specializes in representing clients who testify anonymously in high-profile cases. The discussion highlights the balance courts must maintain between protecting witness identities and ensuring defendants receive a fair trial.

Key Points:

• Anonymity in High-Profile Cases: Cases involving celebrities or sensitive allegations, such as those against Sean "Diddy" Combs, often involve witnesses who testify anonymously to protect their privacy and safety.

• Legal Considerations: Judges assess requests for anonymity on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like potential safety risks and the public’s right to know. The process involves a delicate balance between safeguarding witnesses and ensuring justice is served.

• Case Example: Lindsey discusses Kaya Sokola, who testified against Harvey Weinstein under anonymity but later revealed her identity to reduce public and media pressure.

Notable Quotes:

• Attorney Lindsey Goldbrum: “The most important factor that a judge weighs is safety concerns.” [29:55]
• Andrea Canning: “It's about trying to strike the right balance between all the parties involved.” [30:35]

Conclusion and Upcoming Stories

Andrea Canning wraps up the episode by teasing upcoming stories, including a classic Dennis Murphy case about the disappearance of 12-year-old Janelle Matthews from Greeley, Colorado in 1984, which was recently reopened after new evidence surfaced.

Notable Mention:

• Andrea Canning: “Coming up this Friday on Dateline, we've got a classic Dennis Murphy story... Janelle Matthews who went missing from Greeley, Colorado in 1984.” [31:09]

Stay Tuned: For fans eager to stay informed on these riveting cases and more, "Dateline: True Crime Weekly" promises continued in-depth coverage and exclusive insights every Thursday. Follow the podcast on your preferred platform and engage with the team through social media or voicemail to share your thoughts and suggest cases for future episodes.

End of Summary