Jury to Return Next Week for Deliberations in OC Judge Murder Trial
Jury Reaches Impasse, Asks to Go Home Early
The jury in the murder trial of Orange County judge Jeffrey Ferguson has gone home for the weekend without reaching a decision, after more than a week of deliberations. The jury will return next week to continue their deliberations.
Deliberations Have Been Frustrating and Exhausting
Deliberations began on February 26, in the trial of Ferguson, 74, who is charged with murder with sentencing enhancements for discharge of a gun causing death and the personal use of a gun for the August 3, 2023, death of his 65-year-old wife, Sheryl.
Jury Can Convict of Second-Degree Murder or Involuntary Manslaughter
Jurors can convict Ferguson of second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter, if they do not acquit him, in the shooting at the couple’s Anaheim Hills home.
Judge’s Dilemma
"It’s very odd for a jury to have such struggles and, yet, hold out hope," said NBC4 legal analyst Royal Oakes. "The judge is in a bit of a pickle, if the judge urges them too hard to reach a unanimous verdict. Then, if they convict him upon an appeal, the defense says ‘Well, the judge pressured them.’ But, then again, she doesn’t want just to quit."
Family Members React
Sheryl Ferguson’s brother, Larry Rosen, has been present throughout the trial. "She was the glue of the family," Rosen said. "The thing about my sister that my brothers miss the most was the phone calls. We used to call each other all the time."
Rosen said he made sure not to contact Ferguson for a year and a half before the trial, so he could enter the trial phase with a neutral view of his brother-in-law.
Defense Argument
Rosen believes the defense argument that, on the night of August 3, 2023, Ferguson shot and killed Sheryl in an accidental shooting. "I know Jeff, and he’s a great guy," Rosen said.
Frustration with the Judge’s Decision
Rosen is frustrated that the judge has not declared a mistrial, even after the jury twice said they were at an impasse on the second-degree murder charge. "This is supposed to be the lady with the blindfold and scales," Rosen said. "It’s not supposed to be the outcome is influenced by the conduct or instruction of the judge."
Conclusion
The jury will return next week to continue their deliberations, and it remains to be seen whether they will reach a verdict. The case has been highly publicized, and the outcome is eagerly anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the charge against Jeffrey Ferguson?
- Murder with sentencing enhancements for discharge of a gun causing death and the personal use of a gun.
- What is the possible verdict?
- Second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter.
- When did the shooting occur?
- August 3, 2023.
- How long have the jury been deliberating?
- Over a week.
