Oklahoma Co. Judge Grants Permission for Pharmacist's Trial to be Televised

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY - Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure granted a motion Thursday morning to allow cameras in the courtroom for the murder trial of an Oklahoma City pharmacist charged with killing a would-be robber.

Jerome Ersland was bound over for trial on a charge of first-degree murder during a preliminary hearing in Oklahoma County District Court on Wednesday.

"I'm ready to put this before 12 citizens," said Ersland's attorney, Irven Box. "I still don't think there are 12 people in the country that will find he's guilty of murder in the first degree."

The News On 6 filed the motion in July requesting permission to televise the trial. The News On 6 was joined by statewide partner and fellow Griffin Communications company, NEWS 9 in Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma City station KFOR.

READ THE MOTION THE NEWS ON 6 FILED

Oklahoma City TV stations KOCO, KOKH, and KSBI, and The Oklahoman newspaper have joined the motion after the judge denied a written letter in support of NEWS 9's motion submitted by KOCO and The Oklahoman.

"Now, the 12 jurors get to hear, and believe me, they'll get to see all the evidence available and if Mr. Box is looking forward to this trial, I hope he enjoys his day in court," Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said.

Ersland, 57, is charged with first-degree murder after shooting at two would-be robbers on May 19 at a south Oklahoma City pharmacy. Prosecutors say Ersland exceeded his legal authority to defend himself by shooting 16-year-old Antwun Parker five times after his first shot rendered the teen unconscious.

More on News9.com:
- Teen Pharmacy Robber Killed by Additional Shots
- Pharmacist Did Not Enter Plea During Arraignment
- Judge Upholds Subpoena of Pharmacist's Military Records
- Pharmacist Charged With Murder Returns to Work
- Pharmacist Defends Actions on National TV
- More Charges Filed in Pharmacy Shooting
- Judge's Life Threatened Over Pharmacy Case
- Second Pharmacy Robbery Suspect Arrested
- Pharmacist Released from Jail on Bail
- Pharmacist Charged With Murder After Shooting Robber
- Employee Shoots at Robbers: 1 Killed, 1 at Large
- Read the text of Oklahoma's Stand Your Ground Law