Judge Sets Date to Consider News On 6's Motion to Televise Pharmacist's Trial

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma County judge set a November 5th date to consider a motion to allow cameras in the courtroom for the murder trial of an Oklahoma City pharmacist charged with killing a would-be robber.

NEWS 9 and The News On 6 filed the motion last month requesting permission to televise the trial of Jerome Ersland.

NEWS 9 and The News On 6 was joined by Oklahoma City station KFOR.

A written letter in support of NEWS 9's motion submitted by The Oklahoman's parent company OPUBCO Communications Group and Oklahoma City station KOCO, was denied.

The judge has given the newspaper and KOCO until Oct. 21 to enter a formal motion to be included in the original request filed by NEWS 9, The News On 6 and KFOR.

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.

"This is a story that carries with it an enormous amount of public interest," NEWS 9 P.M. Content Director Jenny Monroe said. "It is our job as journalists to serve the public and do whatever possible to provide the information to the people of Oklahoma. We believe allowing Oklahomans to see firsthand what is being said and decided in this case is in the best interest of everyone."

Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure is presiding over Ersland's proceedings.

More On News On 6... 
Read News On 6's motion to allow cameras in the courtroom.
Pharmacist Charged With Murder After Shooting Robber