OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A former Oklahoma pharmacist convicted of murder in the shooting death of an unarmed robber has been denied early release.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 Tuesday to deny the commutation request by Jerome Ersland, who won't be eligible for parole for another 30 years, The Oklahoman reported.

"He is a man who has a lot of hope," Kendall Sykes, attorney for Ersland, said. "I wouldn't be one bit surprised to see him back here some time."

The 66-year-old expressed remorse before the board voted, saying he wishes he "could go back and not do it."

"I think about that every day," Ersland said. "I hate it so bad that I made the bad decisions."

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater opposed the request, saying early release would send the wrong message to others considering vigilante action.

Gov. Mary Fallin has the final say on an inmate's commutation request, but can't act without the board's recommendation of early release.

Board members Kris Steele and Robbie Fullerton voted in favor of a recommendation.

"I do not believe that he is a danger to society nor do I believe he should die in prison," said Steele.

Ersland is serving a life sentence for the death of Antwun Parker, 16, inside the Reliable Discount Pharmacy in south Oklahoma City in 2009. Ersland had been getting ready to close for the day when Parker and Jevontai Ingram, then 14, arrived at the store.

Ersland applied for commutation for the first time in November. In his application, Ersland misstated that both boys had been armed.

But security camera recordings show only Ingram with a gun. He fled the scene without firing, according to the security camera recordings and other evidence.

Sykes told the board that Ersland has notable cognitive deficiencies.

"People with his particular personality aspect often, throughout the years, overcompensate socially by making up stories or embellishing stories," Sykes said.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com