Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl, after a 2023 argument at their Anaheim Hills home. The shooting occurred on August 3, and Ferguson claimed it was accidental. Prosecutors argued that he shot her in the chest with a .40-caliber Glock handgun during a drunken argument over money, then texted his court bailiff confessing to the act. The case went to trial after an initial jury deadlock, and Ferguson was found guilty in the retrial.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, who had known the family for decades, described the murder as a tragic loss. It was revealed during the trial that Ferguson drank alcohol at lunch before returning to hear cases. Spitzer announced plans to review cases presided over by Ferguson to ensure no inappropriate behavior occurred.
Ferguson, a judge since 2015 and former deputy district attorney, faces life in prison and is set to be sentenced in June. His attorney, Cameron J. Talley, expressed respect for the jury’s decision while maintaining Ferguson’s innocence. They plan to appeal the conviction. The emotional trial highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and underscored the importance of accountability for those in positions of power.
The conviction of a sitting judge for such a heinous crime sent shockwaves through the legal community and raises questions about the oversight of judges. The case serves as a reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for swift and just consequences for perpetrators.
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