Latest news with #PlacerCounty
CBS News
16 hours ago
- CBS News
Human remains found along rural Nevada County road, sparking investigation
An investigation is underway after a father and son located human remains in rural Nevada County Monday afternoon, authorities said. Deputies said the two were recreating in the area of Banner Quaker Hill Road, which is a lengthy paved road that turns into a dirt, fire access road. When the father and son duo found the human remains, they called 911. Deputies and detectives responded and confirmed the remains were human. Deputies said due to the level of decomposition, the remains have not been identified, nor has a cause of death been determined. The remains were taken to Placer County Morgue, where a formal autopsy is scheduled for July 29.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Major Highway 65 expansion project aims to ease Rocklin traffic
If you've driven along Highway 65 in Rocklin, you know the struggle of bumper-to-bumper traffic, long delays, and daily frustration for commuters. But change is on the way, as local and federal officials push forward with a major highway expansion aimed at relieving congestion and improving safety. The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of southbound Highway 65 between Blue Oaks and Galleria Boulevard, an area that often sees some of the worst backups. Plans call for an additional southbound lane and a new auxiliary lane to help with merging traffic and reduce bottlenecks. "It's a daily headache," said one driver. "The traffic on it is crazy." Another added, "I always see cars backed up trying to get on there." Placer County is one of the fastest-growing regions in California and the traffic has grown with it. "Congestion affects people in a number of ways," said Rick Carter with the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency. "We see increased population every year." The $22.5 million project is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its BUILD grant program. Lawmakers say the return on investment could be massive. "Just when it comes to the time savings for trucks, it's estimated to be $70 million," said Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley. "So it pays for the grant many times over." In addition to cutting travel times, the expansion is expected to improve safety. Between 2013 and 2022, the corridor saw 227 accidents and eight traffic fatalities. Officials say the crashes are often caused by stop-and-go congestion and sudden drops in speed. The improvements may also benefit emergency response times. Carter said ambulance crews often avoid the highway altogether due to traffic. "We spoke with the ambulance provider in the area," Carter said. "They talked about how they often don't take 65 when transporting patients to the hospital because it's so congested. They're taking surface streets. With the improvements here, it's going to make a significant difference." Once complete, officials estimate the upgrades could cut travel times by up to 50%. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and is expected to be completed by late 2028.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
$5 bet turns into $578,000 grand prize for Thunder Valley Casino winner
A $5 bet on a penny slot machine turned into a $578,073 grand prize for one lucky winner at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Northern California, a casino spokesperson said Tuesday. The win happened on Monday on a 5 Dragons Grand slot machine. Thunder Valley said this is the third time in just weeks that a guest has won a major jackpot. "We are thrilled to celebrate this signification jackpot win with one of our valued guests," said Dawn Clayton, general manager of Thunder Valley. "Moments like these are what make the energy on Thunder Valley's casino floor so special. On behalf of our entire team, congratulations to our guest. We are honored to see our guests experience these life-changing moments!" Thunder Valley Casino Resort is located just a few miles north of Roseville in Placer County and about 30 miles northeast of downtown Sacramento.
New York Times
15-07-2025
- New York Times
Dan Serafini, Former Baseball Pitcher, Is Convicted of Murder
Dan Serafini, a former pitcher and first-round pick of the Minnesota Twins, was convicted on Monday in the 2021 execution-style shootings of his wealthy in-laws at their home at Lake Tahoe. On the third day of deliberations in the high-profile case, a jury in Placer County, Calif., convicted Mr. Serafini, 51, of first-degree murder in the killing of his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, 70, and attempted murder of his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood, who survived being shot in the head. She died by suicide in 2023 at age 70, according to her family. Mr. Serafini, who has denied being involved in the shootings, was also found guilty of special circumstance allegations of lying in wait and first-degree burglary. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 18. During his six-week trial in Superior Court in Auburn, Calif., prosecutors described Mr. Serafini as having had an acrimonious relationship with his in-laws, who were worth millions, and said that he had once been overheard offering $20,000 to have them killed. The prosecutors presented testimony from Samantha Scott, the family's former nanny, with whom they said that Mr. Serafini was having an affair and who helped commit the crime. Ms. Scott, who was initially charged with murder and attempted murder, pleaded guilty in February to being an accessory to a felony and is awaiting sentencing. Jurors also viewed security camera footage from June 5, 2021, the day of the shootings. The recordings showed a masked and hooded man, who prosecutors said was Mr. Serafini, waiting for his in-laws, who were out boating, to return to their home. Both of the victims were shot in the head at close range, execution style, the authorities said. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Fox News
Ex-MLB pitcher Dan Serafini found guilty of murdering father-in-law
Dan Serafini, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played in the big leagues from 1996 to 2007, was found guilty of murdering his father-in-law and attempting to kill his mother-in-law in 2021, California officials announced on Monday. A Placer County jury also found Serafini, 51, guilty of first-degree burglary in addition to the first-degree murder and attempted murder of Gary Spohr and Wendy Wood, officials said. The incident occurred on June 5, 2021, as first responders arrived at a home in Tahoe City and found Spohr dead from a single gunshot wound and Wood wounded. Wood recovered from the injuries but died by suicide a year later. Video surveillance from the home showed a man wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, face covering and a backpack approaching the house hours before the murder occurred, according to FOX 2 San Francisco. Another video showed the same man walking up the driveway of the home. Evidence from the two-year investigation pointed to Serafini and his romantic partner, Samantha Scott. Prosecutors said they believed the murder occurred over a $1.3 million renovation project, according to Field Level Media. One text message provided as evidence, "I am going to kill them one day." Serafini is set for sentencing on Aug. 18 in Placer County. The Minnesota Twins selected Serafini in the first round of the 1992 MLB Draft. He made his debut for them in 1996 and pitched three seasons before joining the Chicago Cubs in 1999. He also played for the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
