Ernie Scherer Murder Trial Closing Arguments This Week

Submitted by C Costigan on

Written by :

C Costigan

Published on :

The murder trial of poker player Ernie Scherer III is coming to an end with closing arguments to be heard in the coming week.

Scherer III is accused of killing his parents, Ernest Scherer Jr. and Charlene Abendroth, in their Pleasanton home for a seven-figure inheritance three years ago.   The couple was found brutally stabbed with a Turkish sword and beaten to death. 

Prosecutors will rely heavily on a car that reportedly matches Scherer III’s entering the property when the murder is believed to have occurred. 

The poker pro spent five full days defending himself as the trial is about to come to a close. 

Scherer III admitted to having a bad string of luck gambling prior to the murders.

Witnesses testified that the defendant acted oddly immediately following the murders.  A number of witnesses also testified to Scherer III’s “poor character” including his cheating and disruptive behavior at family gatherings. 

At the time of the murders, the Alameda County Sherriff’s Department had contacted Gambling911.com in an attempt to bring more national attention to the crime, which to date has only been covered in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

- Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher

Related Content

Las Vegas Bookmaker Accused of Running a Multi Million Dollar Business Has All Charges Against Him Dismissed

Las Vegas Bookmaker Accused of Running a Multi Million Dollar Business Has All Charges Against Him Dismissed

57-year-old William West Roberts, known as "Wild Bill", claims to have been a handicapper for over 35 years. He reportedly charged customers $249 per month for betting selections.
Sacramento Area Casino Mass Stabbing Suspect Identified, Captured: Five Stabbed

Sacramento Area Casino Mass Stabbing Suspect Identified, Captured: Five Stabbed

Police have identified 22-year-old Joseph Naugle in connection with a Wednesday mass stabbing incident at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort, just north of Sacramento.
PA Bans 11 Individuals From Gambling Including Woman Who Left 1-Year Old in Car for 3 Hours in 80 Degree Heat

Pennsylvania Bans 11 Individuals From Gambling Including Woman Who Left 1-Year Old in Car for 3 Hours in 80 Degree Heat

Another was banned for having 28 counterfeit $50 bills, some of which he used at table games.
Poker Dealer Accused of Sparking San Diego California Wildfire

Poker Dealer Accused of Sparking San Diego California Wildfire

The suspect has a lengthy criminal record and documented mental health issues, according to court records.