MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Oklahoma News

November 4, 2009

Hearing set for pharmacist in killing

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A judge will decide whether a pharmacist accused of gunning down a 16-year-old boy during a robbery in south Oklahoma City should be tried for first-degree murder.



A preliminary hearing for 57-year-old pharmacist Jerome Ersland is Wednesday in Oklahoma County District Court.



Prosecutors allege Ersland incapacitated 16-year-old Antwun Parker with a non-fatal shot to the head during the May 19 robbery at Reliable Discount Pharmacy in south Oklahoma City. But prosecutors say Ersland went too far when he returned to the store after chasing a second suspect, got another gun, and pumped five more bullets into the wounded teenager as he lay on the floor.



Ersland's attorney maintains his client felt threatened and was justified in shooting the teen.

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