Expected to embody the law, a judge who presided over criminal cases for years now finds himself on the wrong side as he is now convicted of second-degree murder.
Former Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson faces 40 years to life in prison after shooting his wife during an argument at their home.
After a seven-hour deliberation spanning two days, a jury found Ferguson guilty in his second trial for the 2023 murder of his wife, Sheryl Ferguson.
The first trial had ended in a mistrial with a hung jury after more than 40 hours of deliberation.
This time, jurors were convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the former judge, who had served on the bench since 2015, intentionally killed his wife during what authorities described as a “drunken argument over money.”
Ferguson, who had worked as a prosecutor since 1983 before becoming a judge, texted his court clerk shortly after the shooting with a shocking confession:
“I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
Later, prosecutors presented this damning evidence as a clear admission of guilt.
The incident occurred after the couple had been arguing over family finances during dinner at a restaurant with their adult son. Upon returning home, the argument escalated, culminating in the fatal shooting.
The couple’s son attempted to wrestle the gun away from his father and performed CPR on his mother, but she could not be saved.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned the act, stating:
“The one person in this entire situation that could have ensured that everybody was strong, remained strong, and could be strong, was Jeff Ferguson. Jeff Ferguson took the life of Sheryl. He took her strength, he took her body, he took her will to live and crushed it.”
Adding to the prosecution’s case, investigators discovered 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition at Ferguson’s home.
This arsenal undermined the defense’s claim that the shooting was accidental due to Ferguson’s disabled shoulder.
Spitzer noted, “This was not an accident. Ferguson was trained to never point a gun at anything he didn’t intend to destroy.”
The evidence of Ferguson’s extensive firearms collection highlighted his familiarity with weapons, further weakening his defense.
Furthermore, the case was heard by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter due to Ferguson’s obvious conflict of interest in Orange County.
Despite being charged with a serious felony, Ferguson had been free on $2 million bail throughout both trials, although he was barred from presiding over cases.
Ferguson was found guilty of one felony count of murder with enhancements for personal use of a firearm and discharge causing great bodily injury and death.
After the verdict was read, Ferguson embraced his son and told him, “It’s OK. Be strong.”
His defense attorney, Cameron Talley, who had previously worked with Ferguson at the District Attorney’s office, vowed to appeal the verdict.
The dramatic fall from grace of a man who once sentenced criminals serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law.
Ferguson now awaits sentencing and faces decades behind bars, in the same system he once represented.
Ultimately, his case represents a troubling example of how private troubles can escalate into public tragedy, even among those entrusted to uphold justice.
