An Oklahoma City pharmacist who was initially defending his store from armed robbers is now charged with murder.  Jerome Ersland shot one of the suspects when they entered the building last week but what he did after that has authorities saying he went too far.

Oklahoma County District Attorney, David Prater said, "Due to alleged actions taken by an employee of the pharmacy, Jerome Ersland, he's been charged with Murder in the First Degree in Oklahoma County District Court."

On May 19th, 2 robbers entered the Reliable Pharmacy on South Penn Ave. demanding cash.  The owner reached behind the counter and shot one of them in the head with a pistol.

"The Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office has a history of supporting a civilian, or police officer's right to use deadly force to protect themselves from attackers who demonstrate an eminent threat to their personal safety," Prater explained.

After chasing a second suspect out the door, the owner returned, picked up a second handgun and again shot 16-year-old Antwun Parker who was on his back, unconscious, and unable to defend himself.  57-year-old Jerome Ersland has always said what he did was in self defense.

"When you put a pistol just a foot away from his chest and fire 5 rounds into that child's chest. In my opinion, and the laws of this state do not protect you in the use of that deadly force," D.A. Prater described.

Oklahoma City resident Abel Vazquez said, "How are you going to shoot at somebody who can't defend themselves?"

Vazquez lives near the pharmacy, and knows what it's like to be a troubled youth.

"I  feel sorry for his family that's a situation where he didn't get to finish his life," Vazquez added.

The Medical Examiner's Office says Parker could've made a full recovery if he was just wounded by the first shot to the head.  The District Attorney supports the right for people to protect themselves, but only until the danger is over.

"My decision to charge Mr. Ersland should not cause any person to delay or pause from using appropriate force to defend themselves when faced with an imminent threat of serious injury or death by another person," D.A. Prater concluded.

No bond has been set for Ersland, he will have a hearing tomorrow (5/28) morning.  Police do have names of people who they believe could be the 2nd suspect in the incident that person will likely be charged with Armed Robbery.