Well now the trial of one Jerome Ersland has finally come to an interesting conclusion that almost makes me look like a hypocrite. Almost.
Mr. Ersland is a pharmacist in a high crime area south of Oklahoma City. On May 19, 2009, two young thugs decided to rob the store. However as soon as they entered they were met with shots from a gun Mr. Ersland had. One of the assailants was hit and Mr. Ersland chased the other out of the door. After Mr. Ersland returned to the pharmacy, he retrieved another gun and shot the already wounded (head wound) and unconscious youth five times in the stomach and chest. Suffice to say he died from his wounds.
Jurors want the judge to give him a life sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11.
The other young man was later caught and pleaded guilty to first degree murder under a law that allows a murder charge against someone when an accomplice is killed during a crime. He was only 14 so he will be out by the time he’s 19; if he behaves. However, the two men who recruited the youths to do the crime were also convicted and will serve life in prison with the possibility of parole.
I have to agree with the jury. I was on Mr. Ersland’s side right until he got the other gun, stood over the young man and shot him five times. He claims that that he feared for his life and he shot him some more. The video says otherwise.
In fact, he told the police he shot the 16 year old thug five more times before running after the other one. The video says otherwise. No I am in the clear. No hypocrisy here. It was a criminal act and deserving of the sentence the jurors want.
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