His lawyers claim it was an accident, while prosecutors say that the judge shot at his wife when she asked him: "Why don't point a real weapon at me?" Then, he texted his coworkers: "I just shot her." I will not be at work tomorrow.

A Southern California judge has been accused of murdering his wife.

Orange County Superior court judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 72 years old, was arrested for the shooting death his wife Sheryl last week. He was released after posting $1,000,000 bail the following day, but The Orange County Superior Court announced on Friday that he had since been charged with a felony count for murder, a felony enhancement for personal use of firearms, and a felony enhancement for discharge of firearm causing serious bodily injury or death.

According to documents filed on Thursday by prosecutors (via LA Times), on August 3, the two started an argument while out for dinner. Ferguson is accused of making "a hand motion indicative of pointing at a gun" during the argument.

When Sheryl returned to her Anaheim Hills house, the fight continued. Sheryl is said to have asked, "Why don’t you point a real firearm at me?" Sheryl's husband. He is accused of pulling out a Glock 40 from his ankle holster and shooting her in her chest. The bullet, according to reports, exited her back before hitting the wall behind her.

Prosecutors say that Ferguson called 9-1-1 himself to report the shooting. However, he refused to confirm if he shot her. Ferguson smelt of alcohol as soon as authorities arrived. A blood sample taken seven hours after his arrival was found to be below the legal limit. The prosecutor says he allegedly told officers to shoot him before telling them, "What a s--t I am," "Oh man, I can’t believe I did that," and "I'm finished for a little while."

He is also said to have texted both his court bailiffs and clerks saying "I've just lost it." I just shot at my wife. I will not be at work tomorrow. I'll be in jail. "I'm sorry.

The DA requested that the arraignment be moved to Tuesday, citing concerns.

According to a Friday press release, the 47 guns and over 26,000 rounds found in his home are among said concerns. One rifle registered under his name is also unaccounted for.

The DA asked the court also to order Ferguson not to carry his concealed carry permit or passport, to wear an ankle monitor and to have limited contact and to avoid alcohol and alcohol-related places, airports, and firearms.

Attorneys from Ferguson issued a brief statement in which they called the incident a "tragic event for the entire Ferguson Family" and added, "It's just an accident."

If convicted of all charges, the maximum sentence is 40 years up to life.

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Title: OC Judge Charged with Wife's Murder Texted 'I Just Lost It' to Colleagues After Shooting: Prosecutors
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/08/11/oc-judge-charged-murder-wife/
Published Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:06:23 +0000

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