Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, aged 72, has been charged with the fatal shooting of his wife at their home in Anaheim Hills. The charges include murder with sentencing enhancements for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death and the personal use of a firearm. The criminal complaint alleges that Ferguson used a Glock .40-caliber handgun and had threatened his wife earlier in the evening with a hand gesture indicative of pointing a gun at her. The complaint also states that the homicide was an act of domestic violence and occurred while Ferguson was an active judge.
Ferguson is accused of killing his wife, Sheryl, on August 3. The case was filed by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Alex on Thursday. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer consulted with the Attorney General’s Office and determined that there was no conflict in prosecuting the judge.
Ferguson was arrested by Anaheim Police Department officers after they responded to a shooting at his home. His wife, 65-year-old Sheryl Ferguson, was found inside the home with at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Jeffrey Ferguson was booked into the Anaheim Jail and later transferred to Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder. He posted bail and was released.
Further details of the alleged crime have not been released by the police. However, prosecutors have filed a bail motion to advance a hearing and are seeking various conditions for Ferguson’s release. These conditions include surrendering his passport, revocation of his concealed weapon permit, abstaining from alcohol and contact with his son, and wearing a GPS device for monitoring.
Prosecutor Christopher Alex described the shooting as occurring in the living room of the couple’s home while Ferguson was intoxicated. He alleged that the judge shot his wife at close range using a pistol retrieved from his ankle holster. He also claims that Ferguson’s adult son witnessed the homicide. After the shooting, Ferguson sent a text message confessing to the crime to his court clerk and bailiff.
The couple had an argument earlier in the evening during dinner at a restaurant near their home. Sheryl allegedly provoked her husband by taunting him with the words, “Why don’t you point a real gun at me?” This escalated the conflict, which continued for about an hour at home.
Ferguson’s son informed the police that his father becomes more heated and aggressive when drinking and arguing with his wife. He also revealed that his mother had previously reported to him that his father had attempted suicide with a gun and discharged a gun in the bathroom.
Judge Maria Hernandez expressed her condolences and prayers for the Ferguson family during this difficult time. Jeffrey Ferguson had a successful legal career before becoming a judge in 2015. Sheryl Ferguson worked for probation departments and corporations before becoming a full-time mother.
Attorney Joel Garson, who knew Sheryl through Boy Scouts, described her as an active and dedicated parent who was involved in her son’s scouting activities.
Overall, the tragedy surrounding Judge Jeffrey Ferguson’s alleged shooting of his wife has shocked the community and raised questions about domestic violence. The case will proceed as prosecutors seek justice for Sheryl Ferguson’s untimely death.
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