Storm Of Opinions After Ersland Guilt Verdict

Michael Konopasek, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Seconds after Oklahoma City pharmacist Jerome Ersland was found guilty of first-degree murder, strong opinions of the verdict began popping up on Facebook, Twitter and News9.com

"He didn't have to shoot the dude five times," said Oklahoma City resident Jimmy Williams. "After [Ersland] shot him the first time he should have just called the police."

Not everyone shared William's thoughts.

"If it happened to me … If someone came in to rob me, I would probably do the same thing," said Linda Walker. "I mean, I would be in fear for my life."

Although there were many different reactions, most people News 9 spoke with were surprised at the outcome, including criminal defense attorney Scott Adams.

"My mouth kind of hit the floor when I heard the verdict," said Adams . "I personally didn't think they could ever get 12 people in Oklahoma to convict him. I was pretty shocked."

Adams says the verdict even had him considering removing his own gun from his office.

After the verdict was handed down, the reaction was immediate on News 9's Facebook site. Hundreds of people posted comments. The comments can be viewed on News 9's Facebook page.

While the jury may have found Ersland guilty, the case may not have even gone to a jury had a new law been in place. Recently, Oklahoma's governor signed a expansion of the "Make My Day" law giving businesses more protection in cases similar to the Ersland case.