California judge accused of murder allegedly texted court staff confessing to shooting his wife, prosecutors claim.
Southern California Judge Charged with Murder After Shooting Wife During Argument
A shocking incident unfolded in Santa Ana, California, as Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was charged with murder after allegedly shooting his wife during an argument while under the influence of alcohol. The prosecution revealed that immediately after the incident, Judge Ferguson sent text messages to his court clerk and bailiff confessing to the crime, 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.”
Despite being released on $1 million bail, prosecutors are now seeking stricter bail conditions to ensure public safety and prevent the judge from fleeing. This decision comes after authorities discovered a staggering arsenal of 47 legally owned weapons, including the pistol used in the shooting, along with over 26,000 rounds of ammunition at Judge Ferguson’s Anaheim home. Notably, a registered rifle is still missing.
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The tragic incident occurred after an argument between Judge Ferguson and his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, at a restaurant on August 3. The altercation escalated when they returned home to their upscale neighborhood in Anaheim Hills. According to court documents, during the argument, Sheryl made a provocative comment, leading Judge Ferguson to draw a pistol from his ankle holster and shoot her in the chest.
Their adult son immediately called 911, informing the authorities that his father had consumed excessive alcohol and shot his mother. Judge Ferguson also made a vague 911 call, refusing to discuss the shooting but requesting medical assistance for his wife.
Upon the arrival of officers, Judge Ferguson exhibited signs of alcohol consumption and expressed remorse, saying, “Oh man, I can’t believe I did this.” He was subsequently arrested and released the following day, with his arraignment scheduled for September 1.
Prosecutors have now formally charged Judge Ferguson with murder, including weapons-related enhancements. They are seeking additional measures such as surrendering his passport, wearing an ankle monitor, and abstaining from alcohol and firearms.
While Judge Ferguson’s attorneys, Paul Meyer and John Barnett, issued a brief statement asserting that the incident was an accident, they declined to provide further details. “This is a tragedy for the entire Ferguson family. It was an accident and nothing more,” they stated.
With a judicial career spanning since 2015, Judge Ferguson presides over criminal cases in Fullerton, Orange County. He began his legal journey in 1983 at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, specializing in narcotics cases and earning several accolades. From 2012 to 2014, he served as the president of the North Orange County Bar Association.
In 2017, Judge Ferguson faced admonishment from the Commission on Judicial Performance for posting a statement on Facebook that displayed a disregard for the truth and for maintaining Facebook friendships with attorneys appearing before him in court.
On his Facebook page, Judge Ferguson shared that he grew up in a military family, spending his childhood in various Asian countries. He pursued higher education in California, eventually marrying his wife in 1996.
The arrest of Judge Ferguson has sent shockwaves through the Southern California legal community, leaving officials grappling with the appropriate course of action. The Orange County district attorney’s office is determined to ensure justice prevails.
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