Judge Demands List Of Firearms In Ersland Case; Box Says They Are Now His And Refuses

Oklahoma County District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure and Irven Box, defense attorney for accused murderer Jerome Ersland, tangled in court today over Ersland's collection of firearms.

Box told the judge that Ersland gave all his guns to him as partial payment for his attorney fees.

“I gave every weapon of mine to my attorney. I swear to the Lord,” Ersland said.

His comment came after Bass-LeSure demanded a list of all his firearms. Box said his client will not provide such a list and since he (Box) now owns them, he won't either.

Bass-LeSure last week allowed Ersland, 57, of Chickasha to be released on $100,000 bail but she banned him from any access to weapons. The hearing today was to see if he had complied with her order.

Reporter Nolan Clay has all the details at www.newsok.com.

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Prater, Judge Disagree In Ersland Case

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure argued today over whether accused killer Jerome Ersland should have access to a firearm while at work if he makes the $100,000 bail the judge set.

Prater, who yesterday filed a first degree murder charge against Ersland after viewing videotape of the shooting of robber Antwun Parker, argued Ersland should be able to defend himself and fellow pharmacy employees if another robbery is attempted. The judge disagreed.

The hearing turned contentious when Prater asked the judge not to bar Ersland from access to a gun while at the store. He argued Ersland still has a right to defend himself and pharmacy employees if the store is robbed again.

He said the restriction either meant Ersland would be fired from his job or crooks now know it is "open season" at the pharmacy if Ersland is there. The district attorney said his position sounds crazy but under the law Ersland has the right to protect himself. Courtroom spectators applauded Prater's statement.

The judge refused to change her decision, saying Ersland can get another job. "If somebody wants to be around him, they are not going to have access to a gun," the judge said.

"That's wrong," Prater replied.

The judge ruled that Ersland, 57, of Chickasha will be under house arrest if he makes bail and can only leave his home to go to his doctor, see his attorney, go to court, go to the grocery store, go to restaurants, go to church and to work.

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