SANTA ANA, Calif. — The trial of a Southern California judge commenced on Wednesday, with prosecutors detailing a harrowing incident in which Judge Jeffrey Ferguson reportedly shot and killed his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, during an argument while they were watching television together. The prosecution characterized the evening of August 3, 2023, as one marked by tension and alcohol consumption, with Ferguson allegedly being engaged in a heated discussion with his wife over financial issues, both during dinner at a local eatery and later at their home while watching “Breaking Bad” alongside their adult son.
Prosecutors revealed that Ferguson, now 74, had made a hand gesture mimicking a gun directed at his wife earlier that night. It was mentioned that she challenged him by asking him to point a real gun at her, to which he allegedly responded by producing a firearm from his ankle holster and subsequently pulling the trigger. Though Ferguson’s attorney maintains that the shooting was an unfortunate accident, video evidence presented in court captured Ferguson making statements that suggested otherwise. “I killed her,” he reportedly said during police interviews, admitting his guilt.
The trial has garnered significant attention across the legal community in Orange County, leading to a Los Angeles County judge taking over the case to prevent any conflicts of interest. In the courtroom, Ferguson, who was previously a criminal prosecutor, wore a gray suit and glasses while seated in the defendant’s chair. He has entered a plea of not guilty, with his lawyer, Cameron J. Talley, indicating an intention to present a defense later on in the proceedings.
After the tragic event, both Ferguson and his son called 911 for assistance. Ferguson reportedly texted his court clerk and bailiff stating, “I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.” This message was showcased to the jurors during the trial. Body camera footage from law enforcement displayed Ferguson outside of his residence, visibly distressed and handcuffed, expressing fears about the repercussions from his family and the humiliation he felt at being in such a situation, reminiscent of the violent criminals he once prosecuted.
Investigators later discovered an extensive collection of firearms at Ferguson’s residence, which included 47 guns and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition. Prosecutors pointed out that he had significant experience and training in handling firearms. Ferguson’s son, Phillip, provided testimony regarding firearm safety lessons he received from his father. Following the incident, Phillip described an intense moment where he had to physically disarm his father and immediately called for emergency assistance while attempting to administer CPR to his mother.
Ferguson initially posted bail set at $1 million but faced re-arrest following Judge Eleanor J. Hunter’s ruling that he had violated his bail conditions by consuming alcohol. He was later released on a higher bail amount of $2 million. Serving as a judge in Orange County for a decade, Ferguson is currently barred from presiding over cases, although he continues to receive a salary per the state’s constitutional provisions regarding felony charges against judges.
Commencing his legal career with the district attorney’s office in 1983, Ferguson specialized in narcotics cases and received several accolades in the process. He held the presidency of the North Orange County Bar Association from 2012 to 2014. In 2017, he faced disciplinary action from the Commission on Judicial Performance for inappropriate social media conduct regarding a judicial candidate and for maintaining Facebook friendships with lawyers who appeared in his court.
Ferguson’s background includes growing up in a military family and extensive travel throughout Asia during his childhood. He completed his higher education in California before marrying Sheryl in 1996. The case continues to unfold as both the prosecution and defense present their arguments in what has become a significant legal spectacle in the region.
