The Alameda, California homicide unit are closing in on a suspect in the double homicide of Ernest Scherer Jr., 60, a professional poker player, and his wife, Charlene, 57.

Mr. and Mrs. Scherer were found dead, bloodied and in their pajamas in their home in Pleasanton, near Oakland, California, USA, on March 14, and authorities say they were beaten to death.

Sergeant Scott Dudek told Gambling911.com Wednesday evening that Scherer's son is a "person of interest".

The poker community almost immediately pointed the finger at Ernest Scherer III.

"He (the son) owes a large amount of money to people," Sergeant Dudek stated. 

And Dudek wants those who are owed money by Ernest Scherer III to come forward.

Dudek can be reached at 510-667-7478 or on his cell phone at 510-225-5898. 

In addition to searching the younger Scherer’s residence in Brea, outside Los Angeles, California, USA, investigators also recently searched his car, a red Chevrolet Camaro convertible, media reports said.

A red Camaro was seen in the vicinity of Mr. and Mrs. Scherer’s home shortly before their bodies were discovered, media reports said.

The younger Scherer has been staying in various locations since the double homicide.  A motive for the brutal murders is now known but not yet disclosed.

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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher CCostigan@CostiganMedia.com

Originally published June 11, 2008 9:22 pm EST