Guilty Verdict in Retrial of O.C. Judge

Introduction to the Case

A veteran Orange County judge who killed his wife in their Anaheim Hills home during an argument two years ago was convicted of second-degree murder Tuesday. Jeffrey Ferguson, now 74, had been drinking hard on Aug. 3, 2023, when he reached for the Glock .40-caliber handgun he routinely kept in an ankle holster. He pumped a single bullet through the midsection of his wife, 65-year-old Sheryl Ferguson, who sat a few feet away. They had been in the family room with their son watching “Breaking Bad” and bickering about money.

Events Leading to the Shooting

Shortly after the incident, Ferguson texted his courtroom staff to say, “I just lost it.” In a police interview room, a camera captured him saying, “My pension’s gone,” and “I killed her. … Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, convict my ass — I did it.” At trial, however, Ferguson and his attorneys maintained the shooting was an accident. He said he had been trying to put his gun on the coffee table when his shoulder gave out, causing him to fumble the gun and inadvertently pull the trigger, fatally wounding his wife of 27 years.

Testimonies and Evidence

Ferguson, who presided over a courtroom in Fullerton before his arrest, had been free on $2-million bail and drawing his annual salary of more than $220,000 during his legal proceedings but not hearing cases. He was taken into custody after the verdict. Ferguson’s first trial in his wife’s shooting ended in deadlock last month, with the jury split 11 to 1 in favor of conviction after eight days of deliberations. The jury at the second trial took just a day to reach a guilty verdict.

Prosecution’s Argument

In his closing arguments in the second trial Monday, Orange County Deputy Dist. Atty. Seton Hunt told jurors that this was not a complicated case. “Husband and wife do not get along,” he said. “They have shouting matches. They get worse when the husband drinks.” During testimony, Ferguson admitted that he was an alcoholic and that he’d been drinking that day. A prosecution expert said Ferguson’s blood alcohol level had been about twice the legal driving limit at the time of the shooting.

Defense’s Argument

Defense attorney Cameron Talley told jurors that the location of the gun’s spent cartridge, which was found at the base of the couch where his client had been sitting, was more consistent with Ferguson’s story than with a deliberate shooting. “Yes, he killed her,” he said. “Doesn’t mean it was on purpose.” Talley underscored inconsistencies in the son’s account, including Phillip wavering on his claim that he saw his father fire the gun, and at one point saying he grabbed his replica sword only after the shooting.

Sentencing and Aftermath

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter, who presided over the case after Orange County judges recused themselves, set a sentencing date of June 13. Ferguson’s conviction includes a firearms enhancement, and he faces 40 years to life in prison. The state Commission on Judicial Performance must formally review his case before he is officially removed from the bench.

Conclusion

The guilty verdict in the retrial of Jeffrey Ferguson marks a significant conclusion to a case that has drawn attention due to the defendant’s position as a judge. The evidence presented and the testimonies given highlighted the tragic events that unfolded, leading to the loss of a life and the downfall of a judicial career. As the legal system proceeds with sentencing and further action, it serves as a reminder of the gravity of such incidents and the importance of justice being served.

FAQs

• Q: What was the verdict in the retrial of Jeffrey Ferguson?
  A: Jeffrey Ferguson was convicted of second-degree murder.
• Q: What was the cause of the argument that led to the shooting?
  A: The argument was primarily about money, specifically Ferguson’s insistence on sending money to a son from a prior marriage, over his wife’s objections.
• Q: What is the potential sentence Ferguson faces?
  A: Ferguson faces 40 years to life in prison, with a firearms enhancement.
• Q: What is the next step in the legal process for Ferguson?
  A: The state Commission on Judicial Performance must formally review his case before he is officially removed from the bench.