Orange County Judge Faces Conviction for Shocking Domestic Murder Case

Orange County Judge Jeffrey Ferguson faces up to 40 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting his wife during a heated argument in their home while intoxicated.

Key Insights

Ferguson, a former prosecutor who became a judge in 2015, shot his wife Sheryl in the chest with a .40-caliber Glock during an argument over finances.
Despite claiming the shooting was accidental, Ferguson’s extensive firearms training and the circumstances of the incident convinced the jury of his guilt.
A previous trial resulted in a hung jury with an 11-1 vote for conviction, necessitating the retrial that led to this verdict.
Authorities discovered 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition in Ferguson’s home during the investigation.
The judge faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life, with sentencing scheduled for June 13.

Judge’s Shocking Fall from Grace

The conviction of Judge Jeffrey Ferguson represents a stunning downfall for a respected member of the Orange County judicial system. Ferguson, who spent years as a prosecutor before being appointed to the bench in 2015, now finds himself on the opposite side of the law after jurors deliberated for just one day before finding him guilty of second-degree murder. The incident occurred at the couple’s Anaheim Hills residence, where the judge shot his wife Sheryl in the chest during what prosecutors described as an alcohol-fueled argument about money.

The verdict came after a retrial, as an earlier jury had deadlocked 11-1 in favor of conviction, resulting in a mistrial. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter presided over the case to avoid any potential conflicts within the Orange County judiciary. Following the conviction, Ferguson was immediately taken into custody, a stark reversal from his previous status when he had been free on $2 million bail though barred from presiding over cases due to the felony charge.

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

Details of the Fatal Confrontation

According to court testimony, the fatal confrontation occurred after the couple and their adult son returned home from a restaurant where they had been arguing about finances. Ferguson, who prosecutors said had been drinking, retrieved his gun from an ankle holster and shot his wife. Their son testified that he disarmed his father immediately after the shooting and attempted CPR on his mother, but was unable to save her life. Following the shooting, Ferguson sent text messages to his court clerk and bailiff admitting to the act.

The defense maintained throughout both trials that the shooting was accidental, claiming the gun discharged while Ferguson was removing it from his ankle holster. However, prosecutors successfully argued that Ferguson’s extensive firearms training and experience made this explanation implausible. When authorities searched Ferguson’s home, they discovered an arsenal of 47 weapons and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition, evidence that undermined his claim of an accidental discharge.

Implications for the Legal Community

The case has sent shockwaves through the legal community in Southern California, particularly after revelations during the trial that Ferguson allegedly consumed alcohol during lunch breaks before returning to hear cases. This troubling claim has prompted a review of his past judicial decisions and raised serious questions about judicial conduct and oversight. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, who acknowledged having known the Fergusons for decades, described the case as particularly emotional.

Ferguson’s attorney, Cameron Talley, expressed disappointment with the verdict while indicating plans to appeal. “I respect the jury’s verdict,” Talley stated. “At the same time, we all know that juries don’t always get it right… I still believe in Jeff.” The conviction for second-degree murder, along with a felony gun enhancement, means Ferguson faces a potential sentence of 40 years to life in prison when he returns to court for sentencing on June 13, transforming him from a judge who handed down sentences to a defendant awaiting his own.