Convicted pharmacist to receive commutation hearing
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An Oklahoma City pharmacist convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a teenage robber has been granted a hearing on his request to commute his life sentence.
The state Pardon and Parole Board has voted to hold a hearing in April for 66-year-old Jerome Ersland.
Ersland's request was the only one of 52 that was approved. The board's website notes that a recommendation for commutation is rare and must be approved by the governor.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater told The Oklahoman that he will oppose the request.
Ersland was convicted in the 2009 death of 16-year-old Antwun Parker during an attempted robbery.
Ersland claimed self-defense, but prosecutors say he went too far when he fired several bullets into the teen's body after an earlier shot had left him unconscious.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com