Good suggestion, but I suspect the forum software used by Embarcadero Publishing doesn't support such a feature. I wish they'd set up some other, more user friendly forum software.

A moderator isn't needed on these forums, just good manners.

Well said, Raven....

This is one of the least expensive and most user unfriendly forum software packages out there. Moderated forums, while a great idea, are not available with the "cheaper" software options.

I propose this -- if there are some of us who would like to discuss this in a rational (and moderated) manner, I will open a Yahoo Group. We could leverage that group to discuss this news-worthy item as well as other topics affecting Pleasanton with those that add to the discussion, not detract from it.

Membership can be open in the beginning, and if "trolls" enter into the equation, they can be ejected from the group.

Let me know if anyone is interested and I will set the group up and share details here.

And Raven -- your point is extremely valid. Unfortunately and apparently, manners are beyond the capability of some to learn.

I would be interested in a yahoo group if it looks like any "trolls" enter here.

Regarding the double homicide, someone implied that it might not have been a "revenge" killing or "hit" related to the son's gambling because how could the perpetrator have got the parents address? These days, particularly with google, yahoo search etc. it is very easy for a savvy person to get free access to government records, property info, etc. that can link people to anyone else they may have ever shared an address with. (ie children to parents).

I also disagree with the person who said it couldn't have been a mob type "hit" just because (according to them) those killings usually take place via gunshot or stabbing. There have been plenty of incidences where a "hit" has taken place via a brutal murder. I'm not suggesting that it was a "hit" only that I think they were targeted in some way.

One thing I find very disconcerting is how all of this was going on presumably the night of march 7th, yet there wasn't enough of a disturbance to alert any of the neighbors. How does a brutal double homicide take place without any neighbors hearing something odd? How far apart are these houses?

I knew Charlene and am devastated this has happened. I can't imagine someone doing something so violent to her. I also don't think this is a simple "robbery" either. If someone came to rob you and they had a weapon, I would think you'd just let them take whatever, that you wouldn't put up a big fight...and that people who were simply out to steal stuff wouldn't take the time to brutally beat someone. Unless perhaps they were on drugs or psychologically off balance like the guy who killed the psychiatrist in NYC a few weeks ago.

It's also disconcerting that there is only one road in and one road out - so whoever did his had to get in by that road - unless they had a really crafty plan and came in on foot. One thing for sure is how it indicated we all need to ban together and watch out for each other and don't take anything for granted.

Gatetree Resident,

You wrote, "This is one of the least expensive and most user unfriendly forum software packages out there. Moderated forums, while a great idea, are not available with the "cheaper" software options."

I can't agree with you there (I can agree that it is user unfriendly). My guess is that the software running this website is home-grown. Embarcadero Publishing probably hired a person or company (for quite a bit of money) to write the software that runs all their online news sites (basically they hired someone to reinvent the wheel). This is not a cheap operation, which is probably why Embarcadero Publishing is somewhat stuck. To add more features or fix bugs to home-grown software, they have to pay for additional programming time so it isn't a flexible choice compared with using what is already "out there".

And yes, you _can_ get moderated forums and better user friendliness with "cheaper" software. There are hundreds of different open source web CMS products out there of quite high quality with very good and updated free support. A lot of online news sites run on such programs as Joomla or Drupal. The software runs great, is feature-rich, and the only costs a business would really incur is "look-n-feel" customizations and costs related to migrating from their old system. Check out The Onion site. It runs Drupal.

Re. the crime: I read somewhere that gangs are a frequent group that carry out home invasion robberies because they need several people to do the crime since they expect people to be home.

If a gang did do this for the purpose of stealing stuff, why would they take the time to brutally murder two people? Wouldn't they chose a simpler method (shoot, strangle) that gets them in and out faster? From what the police described (as brief as it was) it sounds like whoever did this spent a lot of time making these people suffer. I could understand it if it were a gang who were on drugs at the time.

Stacey;

Perhaps your definition and mine relative to "cheap" and "user friendly" differ.

BTW, wanna come program for me? I am looking for web developers. *lol*

The recent article on this site regarding the murders indicates Sgt. Scott Dudek of the Alameda County Sheriff's Department does not believe that the incident was random. However, police haven't ruled that out either. That would somewhat eliminate a "gang" related incident.

There are apparently two motives being investigated now -- Scherer's activities as a poker player and a former San Ramon school board member. Dudek went on to say, "It has been reported on [gambling911.com] and some of the other Web sites that he [Scherer] was in fact being referred to a professional poker player. I don't believe that's accurate that he was a professional poker player. His main business interests were buying and selling property."

When I read that, I wonder if perhaps in todays' Real Estate Market and with losses people are sustaining as to whether a client or business associate might not also have reason to commit murder.

Doesn't Stacy have something else to do?

So much for trying to have a troll-free discussion.

Gatetree Resident,
If you're being serious, I do some consulting. :)

GateTree Resident:

Maybe some sick and bitter resident of PT did it? A family member?
Neighbor? I guess we'll all have to wait and see.

By the way rave, your manners aren't always so cool!

As for GateTree, you're the troll!

Sorry, you can't depend on me to figure out a troll free program for you. Maybe Frank can help out!

It would be a lot better if we use a forum software for this portion of the website. Products such as vBulletin and Invision board will be perfect for moderated discussions. They also can be easily integrated into the current website, unlike CMS applications such as Joomla/Drupal.

Stacey aka Stacy multi-tasks her caring for her new-born along with her other youngster as well as providing some web consulting services for a client. She continues to follow her interests in her community's current events. So, unknown resident from another community, worry about what you do rather than what others do.

"Doesn't Stacy have something else to do?"
Of course the other side to the argument that question implies is that some people obviously don't have anything better to do than to post meaningless questions such as that.
i.e. - can't you post a meaningful, well-written, coherent argument, or can you only lash out at people who do?

how about those of us who want to discuss the current topic just ignore anyone who gets extremely off topic or who makes obvious derogatory or rude comments to others. ie don't feed the trolls. then the rest of us continue with the real discussion

Pleasanton Resident,

Home invasion robberies tend to be performed 1) at night, 2) by several people at once in order to overpower occupants, and 3) by perps who know something about the victim (like what valuables they have). The article in the Independent today mentions the house was ransacked. That is why to me it sounds like a home invasion robbery. I think statistically the victims are not usually killed in such crimes, but it does happen. Maybe the Scherers knew the invaders or fought back in some way. There definitely was some intent to terrorize people because if the robbers were just after some loot they wouldn't have performed this crime when people were home.

We should also keep in mind the "ransacking" could have been to throw the investigation off. I believe during the press conference that is linked to the home page and on YouTube this specific thing was addressed. There is some belief what was ransacked was "staged."

To Gatetree: so then by making it looked "staged" it could make a "hit" look like a home invasion robbery? I find it interesting that the law enforcement people haven't released much info...

To Pleasanton Resident-QWERTY:

I so believe that is what was implied at the Press Conference. The Press Conference also stated they are not releasing information because it is an on-going investigation.

Frankly, case detail is public fascination driven -- not public NEED. We are not entitled to that information.

I wonder if the couple was followed home from dinner that night from the country club?

I think if the police had enough information to say it was a "hit" as opposed to a home invasion they would do so. It's not really in the police department's interest to have residents thinking there are murderers choosing homes at random, is it?

I somewhat disagree with gateway on the issue of public need. Granted wee, the public, are not entitled to all the info. However, those of us who live in and around the area do want to know if it's a random thing/burglary etc. If there were a serial killer on the loose striking in my neighborhood, I'd want to know about it and would think the people in the area would have a right to that info.


And to "just wondering", I would think that if it were a "hit" they would say so. It would calm some of the neighborhood's fears. However, I think there could be some arguments for the police not releasing info if they think it makes the killers think they are "safer" from being caught if the police haven't figured anything out.

Pleasanton Resident-QWERTY;

Don't misunderstand me. If information gathered thus far would not compromise the on-going investigation then there is no harm in sharing. However, if sharing would affect their ability to make an arrest, then we have no right to know what the investigators know thus far.

Take the Laci Peterson investigation. For some time, the Modesto PD never formally declared Scott a person of interest. They let the community think it was an abduction. Why? Because it was in the best interest of the investigation to let Scott think he wasn't being watched, to allow him to continue to provide them with more evidence through his own stupidity.

Perhaps this is the case here. Perhaps they really have a suspect, but it is better to not disclose that at this point in time. This tends to map to your response to "Just Wondering."

Right, wrong or indifferent -- Law Enforcement is not required to share their progress on an investigation with the public. They are required to step up patrols to ensure if this were a "random thing" that they are providing additional protection. Nothing more...

Don't equate "real life" law inforcement work with what we see in a "make believe" movie/TV police drama, where we're privy to all aspects of the case as it unfolds. It may very well take a long period of time to solve this horrible crime. If in-fact this was a random act, sooner or later someone will tell someone, who will tell someone, about their involvement. Many times this type criminal can't wait to brag about something of this magnitude. That's when police informants enter the picture or rewards for information produce results.

For my $.02 - murders that occur where the victims are brutally beaten, as these poor people reportedly were, could possibly be the results of pure hatred, to send a message or a method of obtaining information.

On the other hand, maybe I've just seen too many "Mafia" type movies.......

Jerry -- Great points. I would add that the "rage" associated with the beatings (as reported thus far) is generally seen in cases where the victims know their attacker. The rage level points to it being somewhat personal.

Dear Gina,

It's time to shut down this thread. Too much nonsense!

But wait...maybe Sherlock Holmes will showup soon and solve the double murder!

I find it interesting that the papers are reporting that Scherer took out a $500,000 line of credit on a $1.3 M home that they purchased only a few years ago. Why would he do that if he supposedly had a lot of properties he owned elsewhere? Makes me wonder what other debts he may have had. To me it seems more like a hit than anything else I can think of.

What a shame that the folks who shared the mailbox area didn't take action and check into why a weeks worth of newspapers were there.
Just another typical California neighborhood!!
Totally disgusting!!

Margaret, have you lived anywhere else? This is my third state and it's the same everywhere.

Regarding other states, I completely agree with the previous post. I don't think it's any different anywhere else. There was a cartoon on that a number of years ago that showed a "bird's eye view of a mugging in NYC". It consisted of a large number of small circles that were aligned along the perimeter of one giant circle. Inside the circle was one small circle next to a gun, representing a stick figure "mugger". There was also a stick figure lying next to that, representing a stick figure "victim". The point was that a lot of people in NYC stand around watching, but don't do anything to help.

Part of the problem is that people have become too complacent. If you look at what happened in pleasanton, I don't think anyone thought something was amiss. That's obvious. I happen to know that a lot of people were wondering where these people were the following week. While I did not ask them what they were thinking, I'm guessing they figured the couple were out of town on another trip. I don't think most of the people in the area would ever think anything like this could happen in their neighborhood so they didn't bother to check up on them. Also, most people are too busy to bother checking up on anyone other than a family member or very close friend.

I am a CSUEB accounting student, BAP member, and former Pleasanton resident.

I did and will always hold Professor Abendroth in the absolute highest regard: she took a strong and genuine interest in her students, was extremely devoted to her causes, had very high ethical standards, worked harder than anyone I know, volunteered much of her time for others, and held herself in such a way that would make anyone proud to be associated with her.

This is a true tragedy and loss for our accounting department—she was our accounting department. She is truly the smartest teacher and person I have ever met.

I am young and feel extremely disappointed in the world. I know I cannot change what has happened, all I can do is reflect on my own life: my causes, work, and selfishness…and strive to be something that will make a difference in the world, something that would have made her proud… in honor of her.

I am grateful for the time I knew her. Rest In Peace Professor Abendroth. Goodbye, We Will Forever Miss You.

Hi Margaret...are you blaming people that had nothing to do with the tragic deaths for not being suspicious enough? Do you also blame the postman? Surely the postman was aware of the newspapers in the box. Shame shame shame on you for trying to emotionally abuse innocent neighbors that probably had nothing to do with killing their neighbors. Unless of course, you know something that nobody else knows and you're being secretive? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...are you the BEAST?

IMO, every neighborhood would benefit from a "Neighbor Watch" program arranged through the city's Public Services Office. A great way to meet all the people in your neighborhood and share pertinent info for keeping the neighborhood safe.

No associated cost and the city installs "Neighbor Watch" signs. A Public Service Officer attends the first meeting with loads of info. The neighborhood patrol officer from the police department drops by to give a brief history of any problems related to the neighborhood and answer questions

The neighbors on our court share phone numbers and "who to notify" emergency phone numbers. We also notify neighbors when away from home for an extended period of time, gather vacation mail from neighbors mailboxes and driveway newspapers when necessary, observe "strange" vehicles, ect. We're fortunate to have someone on the court at home at all times and we're all very observant to anything "out of place". Of course this doesn't guarantee something couldn't happen but it's a good first step.

All in all, it's a worthwhile program.

Neighbor Watch is an excellent program!

Gina...what does having lived in 3 states have to do with anything...are you a rolling stone? If everything is the same, you must have a very boring life.

What about this gang that was just picked up for a string of Pleasanton burglaries? They were brandishing a golf club and a flashlight, and the murders happened near a golf course. Seems worth checking into...

This murder was committed with such rage. Has anyone looked into a relative who might be raged because he/she maybe needed money and the parents weren't going to enable that person to abuse their financial resources. Sometimes when a person has an addiction such as gambling, drinking or drugs, etc., one must stop the cycle of enabling that person to keep abusing themselves with their addiction. Maybe the parents held steadfast and rage was their reward. It will all come out soon, but I don't think I will be surprised. I just don't think this was a random thing. I also think that maybe the person was laying "in wait" for their return home thus enabling the person to strike with an element of surprise, most likely hitting the husband first then going after the wife. At any rate, it is such a sad state of affairs. I don't think a "professional" hit would have been so brutal so things brings me to the conclusion that it was a personal hit.

anon -- As stated in the other thread on this same subject, do you really think the Alameda Sheriffs investigating this case are SOOOOO STUPID that they wouldn't have all ready investigated a potential connection?

I will repeat -- the savage beatings these two victims apparently took are clearly rage driven. Often times that type of rage points to the crime being personal in nature.

Your repeated "cut and paste" postings on any thread related to this murder indicates you are running scared. Calm down...

---

Snooper57 -- Ditto the point I was trying to make to "anon." If not a relative, this was certainly someone known to the couple.

This is not a random act -- and likely not one for robbery.

BTW -- Nice "cut and paste" effort on your behalf too.

This story has certainly quieted the last few days so I would suspect that a) The police have someone in mind or b) Just don't have anything else to go on at this juncture. The story became quiet right after they asked about the red Camaro convertible which I find interesting. The articles I read stated that the Son has a convertible Camaro, but they didn't know the color which seems odd since all they had to do was run the Son's car through DMV t to check. The article should never have stated anything about the Son's car until they could discount his car was not involved. It makes it look like maybe the Son had involvement with the murders. They should be careful of how they state the facts.

Just gathering inputs from the various news accounts about the camaro and the son purportedly owning the model leads one to conclude that investigators are trying to determine if the son can be placed in the vicinty around the time of the murders.

I thought I read that the son lives in Nevada and that the car is registered there, so if someone saw the car it elevates the suspicion of possible complicity.

This line of investigation should not be startling but rather expected. Of course, it may lead to nowhere.

Frank - You are absolutely correct, and with all the latest silence on this case, it sadly leads me to believe that maybe the Son is being questioned. I have absolutely nothing to base this on; however. If it was perhaps gang related, I think there would be more communication from the Pleasanton Police. This is such a terrible tragedy. I just truly don't that some gang quietly roll in to a gated community and take two lives. It just doesn't sit right with me. These people were brutally beaten and that is very "personal" in my book. Although, maybe a gambling hit. It just doesn't figure that a hit would take out both the husband and wife. I hope the case is solved soon.