Ex-Judge Jeffrey Ferguson Faces Murder Trial after Wife’s Fatal Shooting in Tragic Domestic Dispute
Once a respected figure in Orange County’s legal community, former Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson now stands in the courtroom as a defendant, accused of fatally shooting his wife during a heated argument.
The 74-year-old, a former prosecutor and judge known for upholding the law, is fighting to prove that the shooting of his wife, Sheryl, was a tragic accident—not murder.
The case has stunned California’s legal world, with Ferguson, a man who once delivered justice, now defending himself against charges that could see him behind bars for life.
The night of August 3, 2023, has become central to the trial. After dining out, Ferguson and his wife reportedly continued to argue over financial matters at home while watching Breaking Bad with their adult son.
Tensions escalated, and prosecutors claim that during the argument, Ferguson made a gun-hand gesture toward Sheryl, which led her to challenge him by daring him to use a real weapon. Moments later, Ferguson allegedly pulled out a loaded gun and fired, killing her instantly.
Ferguson’s defense, however, insists the shooting was not premeditated. His attorney, Cameron J. Talley, describes it as a “terrible accident,” not an intentional act of violence.
Talley emphasized that Ferguson intends to testify in his defense, insisting that this was a tragic mistake rather than a malicious crime.
Once a prosecutor who sent criminals to jail, Ferguson now finds himself on the other side of the law. In gripping body-camera footage from the night of the incident, Ferguson can be seen in handcuffs outside his home, distraught, asking repeatedly if his wife is still alive. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be sitting here in handcuffs,” he is heard saying.
After the shooting, Ferguson called 911 himself, and sent a remorseful text to his court staff: “I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
Authorities later discovered 47 firearms and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition at his home. The prosecution argues that this demonstrates Ferguson’s extensive experience with firearms, while the defense contends that his familiarity with weapons makes the tragedy even more likely to have been an accident.
Ferguson, who served as a judge for more than a decade, has been temporarily barred from hearing cases, although he continues to receive his salary.
His legal troubles escalated when he was re-arrested for allegedly violating his bail conditions by drinking alcohol, ultimately facing an increased bail of $2 million.
In emotional testimony, Ferguson’s son, Phillip, described how his father had long taught him gun safety. After the shooting, Phillip said he rushed to his mother’s side, wrestling the gun away from his father and attempting to save her by performing CPR.
Now, as the trial continues, Ferguson’s fate rests in the hands of the jury, who must decide whether this was a tragic accident, or a calculated act of violence.
