Judge Denies Motion to Televise Oklahoma Pharmacist Trial

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma County judge has denied a motion by two television stations to televise the trial of a pharmacist charged with first-degree murder in the death of a teenage robber.

District Judge Ray Elliott decided on Monday against requests by TV stations KOCO and KOKH to have cameras in the courtroom for the trial of Jerome Ersland, but he did say the cameras could be present when a verdict is reached.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said he is pleased with Judge Elliot's ruling upholding his decision to not allow cameras in the courtroom during the trial.

"It is appropriate this case not be televised live," said Prater. "Even though the defendant in this case wanted the trial to be televised, it is a court's duty to assure a fair trial to everyone."

District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure had granted the motion, but she later recused herself. Elliott reversed her decision when the case was assigned to him.

Ersland is charged in the shooting death of 16-year-old Antwun Parker during a May 2009 robbery attempt at a south Oklahoma City pharmacy. Prosecutors say he went too far when he shot Parker five times after knocking him unconscious with a shot to the head.

The Ersland trial is set to begin December 6.