An Orange County Superior Court judge faces murder charges in a case alleging alcohol-fueled negligence with a firearm that left his wife dead. Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, claims the August 2023 shooting resulted from an accidental discharge during a domestic dispute, while prosecutors argue intent in this high-profile trial rattling California's legal community.
Courtroom footage shows Ferguson weeping as his defense team presented their opening arguments. Attorney Cameron Talley stated:
This was a tragic accident – he fumbled the gun while intoxicated. The 'bang' shocked everyone, including Jeff.
Key evidence includes:
- 47 firearms and 26,000 ammunition rounds seized from their Anaheim Hills home
- Police bodycam footage of Ferguson sobbing post-arrest
- Incriminating texts to court staff admitting I just shot my wife
Prosecutor Seton Hunt emphasized Ferguson’s firearm expertise as a former narcotics prosecutor and firearms instructor. He taught others to handle guns safely,Hunt noted, pointing to testimony from Ferguson’s son about rigorous weapons training.
The couple’s fatal argument reportedly began at a Mexican restaurant over finances before escalating during a Breaking Badviewing session. Sheryl Ferguson allegedly dared her husband to point a real gunduring the confrontation – a challenge prosecutors say he accepted.
With two bail violations for alcohol use since the incident, Ferguson remains free on $2 million bond while suspended from judicial duties. California’s judicial commission previously sanctioned him for 2017 Facebook misconduct involving attorney relationships and misleading posts.
The trial continues to spotlight:
• Legal professionals’ accountability in violent crimes
• Alcohol’s role in firearm accidents
• Judicial system protocols for addressing sitting judges’ criminal charges
As jurors review 911 call recordings and forensic evidence this week, the case raises urgent questions about firearm safety among trained professionals and the thin line between tragic accidents and criminal negligence.