A California judge faces retrial for his wife’s killing as one holdout juror creates a deadlock in a case that has drawn scrutiny over his 47 legally owned firearms and admitted alcoholism.
Quick Takes
- Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson’s murder trial ended in a mistrial with 11 jurors favoring conviction and one holding out.
- Ferguson admits to shooting his wife but claims it was accidental due to a shoulder injury and alcohol consumption.
- Police found 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition in Ferguson’s home.
- The victim’s family believes the shooting was accidental, not murder, complicating the prosecution’s case.
- Ferguson’s admission of being an alcoholic may trigger reviews of his past judicial rulings.
Judge’s Murder Trial Ends in Deadlock
Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson will face a second trial after a jury deadlocked 11-1 in favor of convicting him for second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, Sheryl. The mistrial was declared after jurors spent more than 40 hours deliberating but couldn’t reach the unanimous verdict required by law. Ferguson, who became a judge in 2015 after working as a prosecutor, has admitted to the shooting but maintains it was a tragic accident influenced by his drinking and a shoulder injury, not an intentional killing as prosecutors allege.
The case has raised eyebrows beyond the shooting itself. During the investigation, authorities discovered Ferguson possessed 47 weapons and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition in his Anaheim Hills home – all legally owned. While out on bail, Ferguson allegedly violated court orders by consuming alcohol, resulting in his bail being increased from $1 million to $2 million. The district attorney’s office has also announced plans to review cases previously decided by Ferguson after he admitted to drinking during work hours.
Conflicting Narratives About the Shooting
The August 2023 shooting occurred after an argument between Ferguson and his wife. According to testimony, Ferguson’s adult son reported his father was drunk during the dispute. The prosecution presented evidence that Ferguson sent a text message to his court clerk and bailiff saying, “I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.” They argue this constitutes a confession and shows he shot his wife in anger, which would support a second-degree murder charge.
However, defense attorney Cameron Talley has maintained the shooting was accidental. Adding complexity to the case, members of Sheryl Ferguson’s family have publicly stated they believe the shooting was not intentional. This family support might provide Ferguson some advantage in future proceedings, though prosecutors remain committed to pursuing a conviction. The trial included testimony about Ferguson’s experience with firearms and his history of handling criminal cases involving gun violence.
Prosecution Vows to Retry Case
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has made it clear that his office intends to retry Ferguson, with a new trial potentially beginning in April or May. Ferguson remains free on $2 million bail while awaiting the second trial. Spitzer characterized the 11-1 jury split as a “success” for the prosecution and emphasized his commitment to seeking justice for the victim despite the initial mistrial.
Ferguson’s defense team appears to be hoping for a potential plea agreement rather than proceeding to a second trial. Talley has emphasized Ferguson’s age and family support as factors that might influence such negotiations. Despite the legal battle ahead, Ferguson reportedly remains somber about the situation. “He wasn’t jubilant or elated, he was you know, he’s still pretty sad. Obviously, he lost his wife and so his life is still sort of ruined, and he still has another potential trial to field ahead,” Talley told reporters after the mistrial was declared.
Sources:
- Mistrial declared in trial of Southern California judge accused of murdering his wife
- Judge declares mistrial in case against California judge accused of killing his wife
- The case of a California judge charged with murder in his wife’s death has ended in a mistrial
