Judge Grants Permission for Pharmacist's Trial to be Televised

Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure granted a motion today to allow cameras in the courtroom for the murder trial of an Oklahoma City pharmacist charged with killing a would-be robber.

Thursday, November 5th 2009, 8:45 am

By: News 9


News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure granted a motion Thursday to allow cameras in the courtroom for the murder trial of an Oklahoma City pharmacist charged with killing a would-be robber.

Jerome Ersland was bound over for trial on a charge of first-degree murder during a preliminary hearing in Oklahoma County District Court on Wednesday.

"I'm ready to put this before 12 citizens," said Ersland's attorney, Irven Box. "I still don't think there are 12 people in the country that will find he's guilty of murder in the first degree."

NEWS 9 filed the motion in July requesting permission to televise the trial. NEWS 9 was joined by statewide partner and fellow Griffin Communications company, The News On 6 in Tulsa, and Oklahoma City station KFOR.

Oklahoma City TV stations KOCO, KOKH, and KSBI, and The Oklahoman newspaper have joined the motion after the judge denied a written letter in support of NEWS 9's motion submitted by KOCO and The Oklahoman.

Judge Bass-LeSure said this case has ignited a passion in the community that no other case has in the state and added this trial will not be about her, her legal career or attorneys in the case.

"You know, you normally don't have a defendant that is going on TV and making statements to the press, and some of the things that were contained in those statements as well got people interested in it," said Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater.

This is the first time Prater said he remembers having a camera in the courtroom, but both the prosecutor and defense attorney believe it will not interfere with the proceedings.

"We've got professional lawyers on both sides of this case and we will maintain our behavior in the courtroom and outside the courtroom. You're not going to see a change in how we operate," Prater said. "Now, the 12 jurors get to hear, and believe me, they'll get to see all the evidence available and if Mr. Box is looking forward to this trial, I hope he enjoys his day in court."

Ersland, 57, is charged with first-degree murder after shooting at two would-be robbers on May 19 at a south Oklahoma City pharmacy. Prosecutors said Ersland exceeded his legal authority to defend himself by shooting 16-year-old Antwun Parker five times after his first shot rendered the teen unconscious.

"I think this is bringing the criminal justice system into the light, and I think the publics' going to be quite surprised by what goes on in this trial.," Box said.

Ersland’s next court appearance is December 2.

Box told NEWS 9 he has tried a case before with cameras in the courtroom. That case was another high profile double murder happening in Canadian County 30 years ago.

Read the Motion

More on News9.com:
-
Teen Pharmacy Robber Killed by Additional Shots
- Pharmacist Did Not Enter Plea During Arraignment
- Judge Upholds Subpoena of Pharmacist's Military Records
- Pharmacist Charged With Murder Returns to Work
- Pharmacist Defends Actions on National TV
- More Charges Filed in Pharmacy Shooting
- Judge's Life Threatened Over Pharmacy Case
- Second Pharmacy Robbery Suspect Arrested
- Pharmacist Released from Jail on Bail
- Pharmacist Charged With Murder After Shooting Robber
- Employee Shoots at Robbers: 1 Killed, 1 at Large
- Read the text of Oklahoma's Stand Your Ground Law

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