Self-Defense Claim on Trial in Oklahoma City (Updated)

by BMCWrites | May 28, 2009 at 11:31 am
77 views | 0 Recommendations | 1 comment

Jerome Ersland, a 57-year-old Oklahoma City pharmacist, is in court today, facing first-degree murder charges for his role in the May 19 shooting death of 16-year-old Antwun Parker.

The video above shows how things went down:  Parker and an accomplice entered Reliable Discount Pharmacy while brandishing handguns and wearing ski masks; Ersland reacted by using his personal sidearm to defend himself and his coworkers.

The prosecutor will, no doubt, argue that Ersland used excessive force to thwart the robbery attempt. I think a jury will find in Ersland’s favor.  What do you think the outcome will be?

The video is available here.

* * *

UDPATE 5/30/09:  See Mother of 14-Year-Old Rants About Murder Charge

recommend This comment thread is now closed
0
JB Smith

I find it sad and a waste of tax monies to take this to trial. I thought that we had the right to defend ourselves in the presence of danger. This man defended himself and his co-workers from delinquents with weapons. Should he have waited for these delinquents to harm someone? As to premeditation, I doubt the guy thought he'd be fihting for his life as he filled scripts. This prosecutor is ridiculous. If someone comes waving a gun in my face, I will use my right to bear arms to defend myself. I just pray stupid prosecutors arent in the office that day. I'd like to ask the prosecutor what they would have done and what if it was a police officer that killed the delinquent. Im ashamed of Oklahoma County DA's office.

This story was created over 3 months ago, the comment thread is now closed.

closeSign in to NowPublic

is reporting from