A Southern California judge was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his wife, following a high-profile trial that drew attention due to the defendant’s position within the judicial system.
Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, a former Orange County Superior Court judge, was found guilty by a jury of killing his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, 65, during an argument in their Anaheim Hills home in August 2023.
The jury also found Ferguson guilty of a felony gun enhancement. He now faces a potential sentence of 40 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 13. Following the announcement of the verdict, Ferguson was seen embracing his son before being taken into custody in the courtroom.
California judge Jeffrey Ferguson hugs son as he’s convicted of murdering his wife during argument https://t.co/81Ih3wFZF2 pic.twitter.com/ogmkdHbwpM
— New York Post (@nypost) April 23, 2025
Ferguson took the stand during the trial and acknowledged that he fired the fatal shot but maintained that it was accidental. His defense argued that the gun discharged unintentionally while Ferguson was removing it from an ankle holster to place it on a table. Ferguson was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The shooting followed an argument between the couple over finances during a dinner outing on August 3, 2023. According to prosecutors, the dispute continued when they returned home, where Ferguson, his wife, and their adult son were watching television.
Prosecutors stated that Ferguson made a gun gesture at his wife during dinner and that once home, Sheryl Ferguson reportedly taunted him to point a real gun at her. Ferguson then pulled a pistol from his ankle holster and fired, striking her in the chest.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Ferguson and his son Phillip both called 911. Ferguson also sent text messages to his court staff, confessing to the act. In a message to his court clerk and bailiff, he wrote, “I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
Ferguson’s son testified during the trial, recounting how he had tackled his father to secure the weapon and then attempted CPR on his mother. Video footage presented during the trial showed Ferguson sobbing during police questioning and expressing guilt, telling officers that he had killed his wife and deserved to be convicted.
The case had previously resulted in a mistrial in March when a different jury could not reach a unanimous decision. Due to Ferguson’s prior role in the Orange County judiciary, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter was assigned to oversee the case to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Authorities said a search of the Ferguson residence revealed 47 firearms and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition. Prosecutors emphasized Ferguson’s extensive training and experience with firearms, arguing that his actions were inconsistent with an accidental discharge. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated, “This was not an accident. Ferguson was trained to never point a gun at anything he didn’t intend to destroy.”
Prominent California judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who’s accused in the fatal shooting of his wife, has pleaded not guilty. The 72-year-old allegedly texted his staff, “I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow.” @KaynaWhitworth reports. https://t.co/24dN6tLDzE pic.twitter.com/uGs4Kmu91z
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) August 16, 2023
Ferguson, a former prosecutor, had served as a judge since 2015. Following his arrest, he was released on $2 million bail but had not been presiding in court. The California Constitution prohibits judges who are facing felony charges from actively hearing cases.
