Jerome Ersland Declines To Testify In Trial Of Man Who Planned Pharmacy Robbery

The Oklahoma City pharmacist serving a life sentence for shooting and killing a would-be robber returned to court Thursday, this time as a witness.

Jerome Ersland was called as a defense witness by Emanuel Mitchell, who prosecutors say planned the 2009 robbery of the Reliable Pharmacy which resulted in the death of 16-year-old Antwun Parker.

Ersland invoked his Fifth Amendment right and declined to testify, according to the judge's office.

Mitchell is representing himself in his June retrial. The Oklahoma's Court of Criminal Appeals overturned Mitchell's murder conviction in 2013, after a jury convicted him of murder and recommended a life sentence. The appeals court stated the trial judge should have allowed Mitchell's request to have a new attorney.

The court has denied appeals by Ersland and Mitchell's co-defendant Anthony Morrison, who is serving a life sentence, plus 35 years.

7/8/2011 Related Story: Jerome Ersland Sentenced To Life In Prison By OKC Judge

5/2/2011 Related Story: Man Found Guilty Of Murder Attacks Oklahoma County Prosecutor