Jeffrey Ferguson, a 74-year-old Superior Court Judge in Orange County, is currently facing trial for allegedly murdering his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, at their residence in Anaheim Hills, California on August 3, 2023. The prosecution asserts that Ferguson, having consumed alcohol, shot his wife amidst an argument as they watched the popular crime series “Breaking Bad.”
The prosecution’s narrative suggests that the couple had a dispute over their finances while dining out that evening. This disagreement continued after they got home. During the heat of the argument, it is alleged that Sheryl Ferguson taunted her husband to aim a gun at her. The judge allegedly responded by drawing a loaded firearm from his ankle holster and shooting her fatally in the chest in the presence of their adult son.
In the police bodycam footage presented to the jury during the trial, Ferguson can be heard admitting, “I killed her. I did it,” according to Prosecutor Seton Hunt’s opening statement on Wednesday.
After the fatal shooting, Ferguson texted his court clerk and bailiff, writing, “I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
Both Ferguson and his son, Phillip, reported the incident to 911. Phillip then disarmed his father and tried performing CPR on his unresponsive mother. Bodycam footage shown to the jury depicts the police escorting Ferguson out of his Orange County residence in handcuffs prior to his arrest.
As officers questioned him about his wife’s condition, Ferguson was recorded saying, “Never in my wildest dreams I thought I’d be sitting here in handcuffs.”
Cameron Talley, Ferguson’s defense attorney, acknowledges that his client shot his wife, but argues it was an accidental discharge. The defense contends that Ferguson, known as an experienced firearm owner, pointed a real gun at his wife in response to her taunt during their financial disagreement and unintentionally fired the weapon.
Phillip Ferguson’s testimony may have challenged the prosecution’s premeditation argument. Court documents reveal that Phillip did not witness his father “aim” the gun at his mother, disputing some aspects of the prosecution’s case. The defense also plans to bring in expert witnesses to discuss ballistics and psychological factors related to the incident.
Investigations later revealed that Ferguson had 47 firearms and approximately 26,000 rounds of ammunition in his house. The prosecution also noted that Ferguson’s blood-alcohol level was double the legal limit for driving at the time of the shooting, putting him in violation of his concealed carry permit.
After his arrest, Ferguson, a former Orange County prosecutor, was released on $1 million bail. However, he was later re-arrested for violating bail conditions by consuming alcohol. His bail was subsequently raised to $2 million, and he is slated to testify at his trial.
The case has sent shockwaves through Orange County’s legal circles, where Ferguson has served as an elected judge for ten years after a stint as a prosecutor. Although he is not currently presiding over cases due to the felony charge, he continues to receive his salary. If found guilty, Ferguson could face a prison sentence ranging from 40 years to life.
Ferguson’s judicial career has not been without controversy. He was reprimanded in 2017 for misconduct involving a judicial candidate and social media activity. Los Angeles County Judge Eleanor J. Hunter is presiding over his trial to avoid potential conflicts of interest, and the trial is expected to run for several weeks.
The prosecution has charged Ferguson with first-degree murder, discharging a firearm causing death, and personal use of a firearm. The defense team has withheld their opening statements, hinting at a strategic approach to framing the evidence as the trial unfolds.
The presiding judge has cautioned Ferguson against visiting friends or former colleagues at the courthouse during trial breaks to prevent any perceived impropriety.
Ferguson has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His defense counsel has expressed optimism that Ferguson will be acquitted once all the evidence is considered, maintaining that the shooting was an unfortunate accident rather than a deliberate act.
The trial is ongoing in Orange County, with both the prosecution and defense preparing to present additional evidence and testimony in the days ahead. The jury will eventually have to decide on Ferguson’s guilt or innocence, and, if guilty, the degree of his crime.
