'Unfortunately Made Some Choices:' Parole Board Denies Early Release For Ex-Pharmacist Serving Life Sentence

Despite a former Oklahoma City pharmacist's plea for mercy, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied his request for early release from a life sentence.

In 2018, Jerome Ersland's commutation request was denied. Ersland's attorney this time cited changes to the law and his deteriorating health as grounds for his release.

“I was before this board in 2018 requesting the same relief I’m asking for today on behalf of Mr. Ersland,” said Kendall Sykes, Ersland’s attorney.

In May 2009, two masked teenagers entered Reliable Discount Pharmacy in OKC in what prosecutors called a planned robbery. Surveillance video showed Ersland, a pharmacist, firing a shot that incapacitated Antwun Parker. After chasing away his accomplice, Ersland fired more shots into an unconscious Parker.

“He was a victim at first, and then unfortunately made some choices and he's serving now,” said Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board member Sean Malloy.

Ersland's attorney, who has volunteered to represent him in both commutation hearings, told five board members—two of whom are newly appointed—that her client's mental and physical health were rapidly declining.

Not eligible for parole until 2049, Ersland wrote in his request application, "I would like to see my two children before I die. I have never met my grandchildren. I'd move back to my hometown, volunteer at my old church, and live out my days so grateful to God to die outside these horrible prison walls."

Two members were in favor of a reduced sentence.

“I’m not prepared to let him out today, but I would put a floor under his life sentence,” said Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board member Robert Reavis.

Ersland's attorney said his case helped create changes to the Stand Your Ground law for a person inside a business. She argued the changes to the Stand Your Ground law would have prevented him from being prosecuted.

Despite Ersland being eligible for minimum security, because he killed a gang member, it's unsafe for him to be in the general population. He remains in solitary confinement 365 days a year.