SANTA ANA, CA — Jeffrey Ferguson, a 74-year-old former Orange County Superior Court judge, was convicted on Tuesday of second-degree murder for fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, during a domestic dispute in their Anaheim Hills home in August 2023.
The jury deliberated for approximately seven hours over two days before reaching a unanimous verdict. Ferguson now faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 13, 2025.
The incident occurred on August 3, 2023, following a dinner at a Mexican restaurant where Ferguson and his wife argued over family finances. The argument continued at home while watching television with their 22-year-old son, Phillip. During the dispute, Ferguson retrieved a Glock .40-calibre handgun from his ankle holster and shot Sheryl once in the abdomen, resulting in her death.
Immediately after the shooting, Ferguson texted his court clerk and bailiff, stating, “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, who had served as a judge since 2015 and was previously a long-time prosecutor, claimed the shooting was accidental, asserting that his shoulder gave out while attempting to place the gun on a coffee table, causing it to discharge. However, prosecutors argued that the act was intentional, fueled by alcohol and a heated argument.
The case garnered significant attention, especially after a previous trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. Following the guilty verdict, Ferguson was taken into custody. Before being led away, he embraced his son, whispering, “It’s OK. Be strong.”
Authorities later discovered 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition in the Ferguson residence, highlighting concerns about gun safety and domestic violence.
The conviction underscores the serious consequences of domestic disputes escalating into violence, even among those entrusted with upholding the law.
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