Former pharmacist convicted of murder denied early release
The Associated Press and The Oklahoman - April 18, 2018 12:22 pm
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A former Oklahoma pharmacist convicted of murder in the shooting death of an unarmed robber has been denied early release.
The Oklahoman reports that the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted Tuesday to deny the commutation request by Jerome Ersland.
The 66-year-old expressed remorse before the board voted, saying he wishes he “could go back and not do it.”
Ersland is serving a life sentence for the death of 16-year-old Antwun Parker inside the Reliable Discount Pharmacy in south Oklahoma City in 2009. He won’t be eligible for parole for another 30 years.
Ersland applied for commutation for the first time in November.
Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater opposed the request, saying early release would send the wrong message to others considering vigilante action.
