Jerome Ersland Says He's 'Suffering In Misery'

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Convicted pharmacist Jerome Ersland spoke to News 9, saying his time in jail has been "terrible" and he's completely innocent.

A jury convicted Ersland in May of first-degree murder in the shooting death of would-be robber Antwun Parker. Despite a gag order in the case, Ersland agreed to speak to News 9's Adrianna Iwasinski by telephone.

Ersland told News 9 he was "shocked" by the verdict. He said he's "innocent of everything" and he's depending on the public to rally behind him and help him get out of jail. He said the days are monotonous, and he spends the time eating, reading the bible, and killing the insects he says swarm around his cell.

The pharmacist said he was "suffering in misery" because he has not received medication for his back. The Oklahoma County Sheriff released a statement earlier in June saying no inmate is allowed to take opiate-based medicine.

Ersland claimed he's received more than 100 death threats since he was jailed, but he sometimes felt safe because he's isolated from other inmates. He said he receives comfort from visitors, and from letters of support written by New 9 viewers.

Ersland is scheduled to be sentenced July 11.

Related Story: 6/10/11 Oklahoma County Sheriff Refutes Jerome Ersland's Mistreatment Claims

Related Story: 5/27/11 Friends Start Petition To Free Jerome Ersland