Jeffrey Ferguson, a former Orange County Superior Court judge, was arrested on August 3, 2023, after the tragic shooting of his wife, Sheryl Ferguson. According to police reports, the couple’s son called 911, alerting authorities that his mother, 65-year-old Sheryl Ferguson, had been shot. Ferguson allegedly texted 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.” The texts further revealed that Ferguson may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the shooting.
Upon arriving at the family’s home in the 8500 block of Canyon Vista Drive, officers found Sheryl Ferguson suffering from at least one gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators claim that prior to the shooting, Ferguson made a gesture that appeared to indicate he was pointing a gun at his wife. Sheryl Ferguson reportedly responded with, “Why don’t you point a real gun at me?” Ferguson then allegedly drew a Glock .40 pistol from his ankle holder and shot her in the chest, court filings reveal.
At the time of the incident, Ferguson, 72, had served as an Orange County Superior Court judge since 2015, after spending over 30 years as a prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Following the shooting, Ferguson was charged with one count of murder and felony enhancements for personal use of a firearm, as well as the discharge of a firearm causing death.
Ferguson pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in prison if convicted.
Defense and Bail Conditions
In the days following his wife’s death, Ferguson’s attorneys, Paul Meyer and John Barnett, issued a statement describing the incident as an accident. “This is a tragedy for the entire Ferguson family. It was an accident and nothing more,” the statement read.
Ferguson was initially released from custody on August 4, 2023, after posting $1 million bail. However, prosecutors later requested additional bail conditions, including surrendering his passport, revoking his concealed carry permit, banning him from possessing firearms or alcohol, and requiring the use of an alcohol monitor.
Ferguson’s bail was later revoked in 2024 after he was accused of lying about consuming alcohol while out on bail. Ferguson claimed the alcohol monitor was triggered after applying hand sanitizer and medication for an ankle injury, but the judge overseeing the case called the explanation “ridiculous.” As a result, Ferguson’s bail was raised to $2 million, and he was taken back into custody. The judge also ordered Ferguson to stay away from any establishments that serve alcohol.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The case continues to unfold, and Ferguson’s legal team has requested less restrictive bail conditions, citing his health issues and claiming he is not a danger to society. However, the court has maintained a strict stance due to the severity of the charges and Ferguson’s actions since his arrest.
As the case progresses, the public awaits further developments regarding the murder charge and the former judge’s future.
