Orange County Judge Arrested for Allegedly Killing Wife

An Orange County Superior Court judge was taken into custody after his bail was revoked for violating release terms. The judge, Ferguson, is accused of fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, at their home in Anaheim on August 3, 2023. The incident occurred following an argument during dinner, where Sheryl allegedly challenged him with a remark about pointing a real gun at her. Their adult son witnessed the shooting and called 911, as did Ferguson himself, who expressed remorse during the call. Ferguson had been free on a $1 million bond since shortly after his arrest. Prosecutors allege that he shot his wife with a loaded .40 caliber pistol he retrieved from an ankle holster. Sheryl was found with at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The judge's attorney argued that Ferguson's health issues, including chronic kidney failure and swelling in his legs, contributed to the violation of his bail conditions, which included wearing an ankle monitor. The judge is prohibited from consuming alcohol while awaiting trial, as prosecutors claim he was intoxicated during the incident. Ferguson is scheduled to return to court on November 1, where a trial date is expected to be set. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations against a sitting judge. The circumstances surrounding the shooting raise questions about domestic disputes and the potential consequences of alcohol consumption in volatile situations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community and legal observers will be closely watching the developments in this high-profile case.