Judge Pulled Gun and Shot Wife While Watching TV
A Southern California judge fatally shot his wife after pulling a loaded gun from his ankle holster during an argument, prosecutors told jurors as his trial began on Wednesday.
Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, was captured on police video admitting to the shooting, telling officers, “I killed her. I did it.” His defense does not dispute that he fired the gun but argues the shooting was an accident.
Argument Escalates to Deadly Shooting
On August 3, 2023, Ferguson had been drinking when he and his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, argued over finances during dinner at a local restaurant. The dispute continued at home while they watched Breaking Bad with their adult son, prosecutor Seton Hunt said.
At one point, Ferguson made a gun hand gesture toward his wife. She then challenged him, telling him to point a real gun at her, Hunt said. Moments later, Ferguson did just that—pulling out his firearm and pulling the trigger.
Judge’s Own Words Used as Evidence
Ferguson was arrested that night. Prosecutors played body camera footage showing the judge outside his home in handcuffs, asking if his wife was still alive and lamenting that his actions would cause his son and colleagues to hate him.
“Never in my wildest dreams I thought I’d be sitting here in handcuffs,” Ferguson said in the footage.
After the shooting, Ferguson and his son both called 911. He also 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,” according to messages presented in court.
Weapons Arsenal and Prior Legal Troubles
Authorities later found 47 weapons and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition in Ferguson’s home. Prosecutors argued that, given his background in law enforcement and firearms training, the shooting could not have been accidental.
Ferguson, a former criminal prosecutor, has been an elected judge in Orange County for a decade but is currently not hearing cases due to the charges. In 2017, the Commission on Judicial Performance reprimanded him for posting a misleading statement about a judicial candidate on Facebook and for maintaining social media friendships with attorneys appearing before him.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Violations
Ferguson initially posted a $1 million bail but was re-arrested after violating his bail conditions by drinking alcohol. He was later released on a $2 million bond.
His attorney, Cameron J. Talley, has reserved his opening statement for later in the trial but has previously stated the shooting was unintentional. Ferguson is expected to testify in his own defense. The case, which has rocked Orange County’s legal community, is being overseen by a Los Angeles County judge to avoid conflicts of interest. The trial continues in Santa Ana.
