Pharmacist's Defense Attorney Questions Judge's Ability to be Unbiased

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The defense attorney in a high profile murder case of an Oklahoma City pharmacist wants the judge off the trial because of questions surrounding the judge's ability to be unbiased in the case.

Jerome Ersland's attorney Irven Box filed paperwork outlining the reasons he wants Judge Ray Elliott to recuse himself.

Box claims before Judge Elliott was given the case, Elliott gave him advice on how to obtain a not-guilty verdict in the trial.

Also Elliott's wife works for the District Attorney's office and has given Elliott advice regarding whether cameras should be allowed in the courtroom.

Box also questions Elliott's ability to be unbiased in the court after Elliott used a racial slur to refer Hispanics.

District Attorney David Prater said Ersland went too far when he shot a 16-year-old five times after knocking the would-be robber out with a shot to the head. Ersland claims he shot in self-defense.

*Irven Box also serves as News 9's legal analyst.

More: Defense Attorney Wants New Judge Removed From Oklahoma Pharmacist's Trial