California Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl, in 2023 after an argument over money at their Anaheim Hills home. The initial trial resulted in a mistrial, but a second trial led to Tuesday’s conviction. Ferguson, who claimed the shooting was accidental, shot his wife with a .40-caliber Glock handgun while drunk, then texted his court bailiff confessing to the crime. District Attorney Todd Spitzer, who had known the couple for decades, called the case emotional and accused Ferguson of taking away Sheryl’s life and will to live.
During the trial, it was revealed that Ferguson drank alcohol at lunch before returning to hear cases, prompting an investigation into cases he presided over while potentially under the influence. Ferguson had been a superior court judge since 2015 and previously worked as an Orange County deputy district attorney for over 30 years. His attorney, Cameron J. Talley, expressed disagreement with the jury’s decision and announced plans to appeal.
Ferguson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for June 13. This case has drawn significant attention due to Ferguson’s prominent position as a judge and the tragic circumstances of his wife’s death.
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