PA Bill Number: SB475
Title: In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in sentencing, further providing for ...
Description: In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in sentencing, further providing for ...
Last Action: Re-reported as committed
Last Action Date: Apr 1, 2025
Jerome Ersland's Shooting Of Would-Be Robber Sparks Debate :: 06/02/2011
The case of a white Oklahoma merchant recently convicted of killing a black teenager attempting to rob his store has sparked a national debate.
To critics, 59-year-old pharmacist Jerome Ersland is a gun-toting vigilante who dealt out his own brand of murderous justice. To admirers, Ersland is a courageous and law-abiding hero whose actions were justified. The controversial case became even more volatile Thursday when a jury found Ersland guilty of first-degree murder for the 2009 slaying of 16-year-old Antwun Parker.
Since last week's verdict, supporters of Ersland have collected nearly 10,000 signatures on a petition calling for his release. Oklahoma State Sen. Ralph Shortey (R) also pledged his assistance.
