Related links
OKLAHOMA CITY -- There is an ongoing debate over an Oklahoma City pharmacist's actions after prosecutors say he went too far when he fatally shot a teen robber.
They argue the first shot he fired inside the Reliable Discount Pharmacy was justified, but what is in question is when he walked out the door after one suspect and then went back inside and fired several more shots.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office released surveillance video from the pharmacy Wednesday. Here is where the debate lies - did pharmacist Jerome Ersland cross the line?
"A 16-year-old young child who was on his back, unconscious, unarmed, he poses no imminent threat to you at all," Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said.
It was the five shots Ersland fired into 16-year-old Antwun Parker's abdomen that prompted them to file first degree murder charges.
"Though Jerome Ersland was justified in shooting Park in the head during the robbery," Prater said. "He exceeded his right by employing deadly force."
It is a reaction Ersland's attorney says anyone could have done under the circumstances.
"Second guess him all you want. He did what a lot of people would have done in this state. I think a lot of people will be on his side," Defense Attorney Irven Box said.
Last week Ersland told NewsChannel Four he had no other choice.
"All of a sudden the first thing I know there's gunfire, and I feel a sting on my left arm, and I pull out my keltec 380 out of my pocket," Ersland said. "They were firing at me from so close, and I could feel the bullet go by my right ear."
Those close to Ersland stand by him. His pastor said the pharmacist is a kind man, housed the homeless and worked at the pharmacy because he wanted to help others.
"A very soft spoken and gentle man. I've never known him to be violent," Pastor David Thompson said. "He's very servant oriented."
Ersland's family and former co-workers agree. They all claim he acted in self defense - a decision that will now be decided in court.
Contact KFOR News directly by clicking here if you would like to submit a news story tip or suggestion.
Copyright 2009 KFOR-TV-DT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
They argue the first shot he fired inside the Reliable Discount Pharmacy was justified, but what is in question is when he walked out the door after one suspect and then went back inside and fired several more shots.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office released surveillance video from the pharmacy Wednesday. Here is where the debate lies - did pharmacist Jerome Ersland cross the line?
"A 16-year-old young child who was on his back, unconscious, unarmed, he poses no imminent threat to you at all," Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said.
It was the five shots Ersland fired into 16-year-old Antwun Parker's abdomen that prompted them to file first degree murder charges.
"Though Jerome Ersland was justified in shooting Park in the head during the robbery," Prater said. "He exceeded his right by employing deadly force."
It is a reaction Ersland's attorney says anyone could have done under the circumstances.
"Second guess him all you want. He did what a lot of people would have done in this state. I think a lot of people will be on his side," Defense Attorney Irven Box said.
Last week Ersland told NewsChannel Four he had no other choice.
"All of a sudden the first thing I know there's gunfire, and I feel a sting on my left arm, and I pull out my keltec 380 out of my pocket," Ersland said. "They were firing at me from so close, and I could feel the bullet go by my right ear."
Those close to Ersland stand by him. His pastor said the pharmacist is a kind man, housed the homeless and worked at the pharmacy because he wanted to help others.
"A very soft spoken and gentle man. I've never known him to be violent," Pastor David Thompson said. "He's very servant oriented."
Ersland's family and former co-workers agree. They all claim he acted in self defense - a decision that will now be decided in court.
Contact KFOR News directly by clicking here if you would like to submit a news story tip or suggestion.
Copyright 2009 KFOR-TV-DT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
