A California judge who shot his wife during an argument has been convicted of second-degree murder despite his claims that the gun discharged accidentally.
Key Takeaways
- Southern California Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting his wife Sheryl during a domestic dispute.
- The conviction came after a retrial, as an earlier jury deadlocked 11-1 in favor of a guilty verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
- Ferguson faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life, with sentencing scheduled for June 13.
- Authorities found 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition at Ferguson’s home, highlighting his extensive firearms collection despite claiming accidental discharge.
- Evidence revealed Ferguson consumed alcohol during lunch breaks and returned to hear cases, prompting a review of his past judicial decisions.
From Prosecutor to Defendant
Jeffrey Ferguson, a long-time prosecutor who became a judge in 2015, now finds himself on the other side of the judicial system after a jury convicted him of second-degree murder after the shooting death of his wife. The conviction came after a day of deliberations in a Los Angeles courtroom, where the case was transferred to ensure impartiality from Orange County’s judicial system. Ferguson, who had been out on $2 million bail, was immediately taken into custody following the verdict, which also included a guilty finding on a felony gun enhancement.
The fatal incident occurred at the couple’s Anaheim Hills residence after an argument that began at a restaurant where the Fergusons and their son had been discussing family finances. Prosecutors successfully argued that Ferguson, while intoxicated, intentionally shot his wife in the chest with a .40-caliber Glock handgun that he retrieved from an ankle holster during their heated dispute.
California judge, Jeffrey Ferguson, who shot his wife and admitted the shooting found GUILTY and convicted of murder
“I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
He now faces a sentence of 40 years to life in prison pic.twitter.com/aDyhwmjzgN
— Nonewnews (@xNoNewNews) April 23, 2025
Evidence and Aftermath
The prosecution’s case was bolstered by text messages Ferguson sent immediately after the shooting. “I just lost it. I just shot my wife,” Ferguson texted his court clerk and bailiff, according to evidence presented at trial. The couple’s son testified that he disarmed his father after the shooting and attempted CPR on his mother, but his efforts were unsuccessful. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Ferguson had an extensive weapons collection.
Investigators uncovered a shocking arsenal at Ferguson’s residence: 47 weapons and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition. This discovery significantly undermined Ferguson’s defense that the shooting was accidental, as prosecutors highlighted his extensive firearms training and experience. Despite his claims that the gun discharged while he was removing it from his ankle holster, jurors ultimately rejected this explanation.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The conviction came after a second trial. The first ended in a mistrial when a jury deadlocked 11-1 in favor of conviction. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter presided over both trials, as the case was moved out of Orange County to prevent any appearance of favoritism toward Ferguson from his colleagues. The judge had been barred from presiding over cases since his arrest but continued to receive his salary pending the outcome of his trial.
Ferguson’s defense attorney, Cameron Talley, indicated plans to appeal the verdict. “I respect the jury’s verdict,” Talley said. “At the same time, we all know that juries don’t always get it right… I still believe in Jeff.” The conviction has broader implications for the judicial system in Orange County, as revelations during trial that Ferguson sometimes consumed alcohol during lunch breaks before returning to the bench have prompted a review of cases over which he presided.
Sources:
Jury convicts California judge of second-degree murder in wife’s death, prosecutor’s office says
Jury convicts a California judge of second-degree murder in his wife’s shooting death
Southern California judge found guilty of fatally shooting wife
