Judge Jeffrey Ferguson convicted of murdering his wife

In August 2023, Jeffrey Ferguson, a 74-year-old Orange County Superior Court judge, shot and killed his wife, Sheryl, amid an argument at their Anaheim Hills home. The couple had been at a restaurant with their adult son, Phillip, discussing family finances when the dispute escalated. Following dinner, they returned home, where confrontation continued while watching television. Ferguson, who had been drinking, reached for a firearm he regularly kept in an ankle holster. During the argument, he testified that he attempted to place the gun on a table but fumbled it, resulting in the gun discharging accidently and fatally injuring his wife. Upon the incident, both Ferguson and his son called 911, and he sent text messages expressing remorse, stating, “I just lost it. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.” After a previous jury failed to reach a verdict in March 2024, another trial was held, wherein prosecutors argued that Ferguson's experience with firearms indicated intent to kill. They highlighted his history of violence, including a threatening gesture at the restaurant before returning home. His defense attorney, Cameron Talley, maintained that the shooting was accidental and emphasized the struggles Ferguson faced with handling his weapon due to a disability from a previous shoulder injury. The verdict announcing Ferguson's conviction for second-degree murder occurred on April 21, 2025. As a result of the conviction, Ferguson is facing a prison sentence of 40 years to life. This outcome has elicited strong reactions within the legal community in Orange County and raised questions about judicial conduct and personal conduct of those in powerful positions. The trial was overseen by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter due to potential conflicts of interest stemming from Ferguson's role as a sitting judge in the area. The case drew significant attention, as it not only involved a public figure but also highlighted issues of domestic violence, accountability in the judiciary, and the consequences of intoxication during confrontational situations. Following his conviction, Ferguson, who had spent years in the district attorney's office and was highly regarded within the legal community, was handcuffed and taken into custody immediately. His defense team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict, suggesting that this may not be the final chapter in this tragic story.