A California judge’s murder trial ends in deadlock as jurors split 11-1 on whether he intentionally killed his wife during a heated argument, setting the stage for another courtroom battle.
Key Insights
- Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson’s trial for allegedly killing his wife ended in a mistrial with jurors deadlocked 11-1 in favor of a second-degree murder conviction.
- Ferguson admits to shooting his wife but claims it was accidental due to his shoulder injury and alcohol consumption.
- Authorities discovered 47 legal firearms and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition in Ferguson’s home following the incident.
- Prosecutors plan to retry the case while Ferguson’s defense team hopes his age and family support could lead to a more favorable resolution.
- Ferguson’s past cases may be reviewed following his admission of alcoholism and drinking during work hours.
Deadlocked Jury Forces Mistrial
A judge declared a mistrial in the murder case against Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson after the jury remained hopelessly deadlocked following more than 40 hours of deliberation. The panel was split 11-1 in favor of convicting Ferguson of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, at their Anaheim Hills home in August 2022. Ferguson, who remains free on $2 million bail, faces potential retrial as soon as April or May as prosecutors vow to pursue justice for the victim.
The incident occurred during an argument between the judge and his wife, with their adult son reporting that his father was intoxicated during the confrontation. Following the shooting, Ferguson reportedly texted his court clerk and bailiff, “I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.” This message, along with other evidence presented at trial, has become central to the prosecution’s case against the former prosecutor turned judge.
Accident or Intent? Conflicting Narratives
Ferguson’s defense maintains that the shooting was a tragic accident rather than an intentional act. His attorney, Cameron Talley, argues that Ferguson’s impairment from alcohol consumption and a shoulder injury led to the unintentional discharge of the weapon. Adding complexity to the case, Sheryl Ferguson’s family has expressed their belief that the shooting was accidental and not murder, creating a challenging dynamic for prosecutors seeking a conviction.
Prosecutors paint a dramatically different picture. Senior Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt told jurors: “You have been presented with evidence — credible evidence — he took out the gun, he was angry. He took the gun out, pointed at her and killed her.” The prosecution’s case included evidence of Ferguson’s drinking habits and testimony that he had made a gun-like gesture during an argument with his wife prior to the shooting.
Legal Career in Jeopardy
The implications of this case extend beyond Ferguson’s personal freedom. As a judge since 2015, Ferguson is currently barred from presiding over cases due to the felony charge. More concerning for the justice system, Ferguson’s admission of alcoholism and drinking during work hours has prompted the Orange County District Attorney’s office to review cases previously decided by him, potentially undermining years of legal decisions.
Law enforcement discovered a substantial arsenal at Ferguson’s residence – 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition – all legally owned. The judge’s history of handling firearms and criminal cases involving gun violence adds another layer of complexity to the case, as someone with his experience would presumably understand the dangers of firearms, especially when combined with alcohol. Despite these circumstances, Ferguson’s defense team hopes to reach an agreement with prosecutors, citing his age and strong family support network.
Prosecution Vows to Pursue Justice
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer remains committed to retrying the case, stating that an 11-1 vote for guilty “is not a case you don’t retry.” Spitzer expressed determination to seek justice for Sheryl Ferguson despite the split jury, describing the mistrial as a “success” given the overwhelming majority of jurors who favored conviction. The case highlights the challenges in prosecuting domestic violence cases involving prominent community figures and the complex emotional dynamics that can influence jurors.
As both sides prepare for a potential retrial, questions remain about how Ferguson’s status as a judge might influence future proceedings and whether his legal knowledge provided advantages in his defense. The case continues to draw attention not only for the tragic circumstances but also for what it reveals about accountability within the justice system when one of its own stands accused of a violent crime.
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
