OC judge accused of wife’s murder, colleagues texted after shooting: prosecutors
His lawyers are calling it an “accident,” while prosecutors say the judge shot his wife after she said, “Why don’t you point a real gun at me?” — then texted colleagues: “I did just shot my wife. I won’t be there tomorrow.”
A Southern California judge has been charged with the murder of his wife.
Orange County Superior Court Justice Jeffrey Ferguson, 72, was arrested last week for the shooting death of his wife, Sheryl. He was released the next day after previously posting $1 million bail The Orange County Supreme Court made the announcement on Friday He has since been charged with a felony of murder, a felony of assisting in the personal use of a firearm, and a felony of misuse of firing a firearm, resulting in serious bodily harm and death.
According to documents filed by prosecutors Thursday night (via the LA Times) the two were at a restaurant for dinner on August 3 when they began to argue. During the argument, Ferguson reportedly made “a hand gesture that indicated he was pointing a gun at her.”
When they got back to their home in Anaheim Hills, the fight continued — and Sheryl reportedly said something like, “Why don’t you point a real gun at me?” to her husband. He is then accused of pulling a Glock .40 out of his ankle holster and then shooting her in the chest. The bullet reportedly went through her back and hit the wall behind her.
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The couple’s son then called 9-1-1 to report the shooting before Ferguson himself did the same – but would not say if he was the one who shot her, prosecutors say. Doctors determine that when authorities arrived, Ferguson smelled of alcohol; When a blood sample taken seven hours later was examined, it was below the legal limit. Prosecutors say he also allegedly begged officers to shoot him before telling police, “What an idiot I am,” “Oh man, I can’t believe I did that,” and “I guess I’m done.” for a while.”
He also reportedly texted his bailiff and clerk, saying: “I just lost my composure. I just shot my wife. I won’t be there tomorrow. I will be in custody. I am so sorry.”
Although his indictment was originally scheduled for September 1, citing “concerns,” prosecutors have asked that it be brought forward to next Tuesday instead.
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The concerns mentioned include: according to a press release on Friday, are the 47 guns and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition found during a search of his home; A rifle registered in his name also remains missing.
The prosecutor also asked the court to order Ferguson to turn in his passport and concealed carry permit, wear an ankle monitor, have limited contact with his son and alcohol, anywhere alcohol is sold, firearms and airports altogether avoid.
Ferguson’s lawyers released a brief statement, simply describing the incident as “a tragedy for the entire Ferguson family” – adding, “It was an accident and nothing more.”
If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life imprisonment.