As reported by Gambling911.com, professional poker player Ernest Scherer Jr., 60, and his wife Charlene Abendroth, 57, were found dead in their Pleasanton, California home on Friday morning.
While no details are being reported yet, authorities are investigating the deaths as homicides.
The Hendon Mob results are difficult to verify because Ernest Scherer only has two tournament cashes to his name, while Ernest Scherer III (presumably his son) is listed as having over $330,000 in tournament winnings.
Unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure to meet father or son during my time in the poker community. But in this terrible time, may the family find some peace.
Earnie III is a regular at Commerce and someone who I consider a poker friend. I am truly sorry for his loss. My thoughts are with him and his family in this time of tragedy.
http://www.bluffmagazine.com/players/ernest-scherer-iii/5650/player-profile.asp
I knew Ernie and his family growing up, we were in the same grade in school–I even sang at his sister’s wedding. Maybe this is a weird place to leave this, but he and his sister and their families are in our thoughts and hearts. It is a horrible loss. I knew his mom better than his dad, and she was a wonderful, loving, brilliant, and strong woman. I hope they can find closure and peace, raising their kids to know how fantastic their grandparents were.
My father was best of friends with Ernie. Both he and his wife were some of the kindest people I ever knew. Their son Ernie III or “Skip” as I knew him growing was one of the best friends I had when I was a kid.
They all used to come down from the east bay and visit my family in Santa Cruz California in the 80’s.
May their souls rest in peace with the good lord almighty in heaven for ever and ever. Ernie III/Skip I pray for you and your family to be filled with the holy spirit during this darkest hour.
From an old friend with love and respect.
Tony Bernstein in Boise Idaho
***Maybe this is a weird place to leave this, but he and his sister and their families are in our thoughts and hearts.***
We appreciate you sharing with us. It’s sometimes nice to get a reminder that the people we see at the tables are real people with real lives and families that could care less about the river.
My condolences go out for the family. I remember the family quite well. The daughter Cathy Scherer is a friend of mine from when we were kids. If anybody knows when and where the funeral is going to be let me know or post a forwarding comment. I sure would like to go.
Like Heather above, I was also a childhood friend of the family’s. I would walk over to their house frequently to play air hockey, watch movies that I wasn’t allowed to watch at home, and generally try to keep up with the endless energy that Skip exuded. His parents were always generous, caring, warm, and open. I am filled with sorrow for Skip and Cathy’s loss and will always remember the kindness of their family during our childhood. I’m deeply sorry, Skip.
I used to babysit Skip and Kathy when they ere very young, my parents are were good friends of Ernie and Cherlene. Ernie did my first taxes and Charlene showed my how to do latch hook rugs when I was young. They have always been very good friends to my parents. What an incredible loss, they will be deeply missed. I too would like to know when and where the funeral will be. My thoughts and prayers go out to Skip and Kathy.
God Bless
Thank you all for your comments. They are very much appreciated. Our family is holding together as well as can be expected. Thank you again for your love and concern.
Catherine Scherer
aka Cathy
Daughter
Alameda County investigators say a man accused of beating his parents to death in their Pleasanton home did so to collect an early inheritance.
After being arrested in Las Vegas, 30-year-old Ernest Scherer III was charged Tuesday in Alameda County with two counts of murder for the deaths of his father, Ernest Scherer Jr. and his wife, Charlene Abendroth.
The bodies of the 60-year-old Scherer and the 57-year-old Abendroth were found in their country club home in Pleasanton last March.
Investigators say the younger Scherer was a professional gambler who was facing mounting debts.
An arrest affidavit says Scherer was in a “desperate financial situation” and needed his parents’ inheritance at the time they were killed.