A California judge, Jeffrey Ferguson, is on trial for allegedly shooting and killing his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, during an argument while watching Breaking Bad with their son. The tragic incident happened in August 2023 at their home in Anaheim Hills.
Ferguson, 74, is an Orange County Superior Court judge. He has admitted to firing the shot but claims it was an accident. Prosecutors argue otherwise, saying he was drinking that night and intentionally pulled the trigger during a heated argument about money.
A Heated Argument Turns Deadly
According to prosecutor Seton Hunt, the couple had been arguing about finances over dinner at a restaurant. The tension continued after they got home and sat down to watch TV with their adult son, Phillip.
During the argument, Ferguson allegedly made a gun gesture with his hand. Sheryl responded by sarcastically telling him to point a real gun at her. Moments later, he pulled out a loaded firearm from an ankle holster and fired, fatally shooting his wife.
After the shooting, both Ferguson and his son called 911. Police bodycam footage played in court captured Ferguson admitting to the crime. “I killed her. I did it,” he said while in custody.
Jurors also heard that Ferguson had sent a text message to his court clerk and bailiff, saying:
“I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
Family’s Reaction and Court Proceedings
Phillip, Ferguson’s son, testified in court that his father had taught him gun safety, including always pointing a firearm in a safe direction. After the shooting, Phillip jumped over the couch, took the gun from his father, and tried to perform CPR on his mother.
“As I was jumping over the couch, I heard her say, ‘He shot me,’” Phillip recalled.
During the trial, Ferguson cried as crime scene photos of his wife were shown in court. His lawyer claims the shooting was accidental and that Ferguson will testify.
Weapons and Bail Conditions
Police found 47 guns and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition in Ferguson’s home. Due to his background as a former prosecutor and judge, he had extensive firearms training.
Ferguson was initially released on $1 million bail but was re-arrested for violating bail conditions by drinking alcohol. He was later released again on $2 million bail.
Although he is not currently hearing cases, state law allows him to continue receiving his judge’s salary while facing trial. The case is being heard in Santa Ana by a Los Angeles County judge to avoid conflicts of interest.
