Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was convicted of second-degree murder and a felony gun enhancement after fatally shooting his wife in their Anaheim Hills home in 2023. The jury rejected his claim that the shooting was an accident. Ferguson faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13.
During the trial, it was revealed that Ferguson had been heavily drinking before the incident and had pointed a simulated gun at his wife during an argument. The argument escalated at their home, resulting in Ferguson shooting his wife while their son attempted to intervene. The son called 911 and performed CPR on his mother while Ferguson texted his bailiff and clerk about the shooting. Police later recovered numerous weapons and ammunition from his home.
Ferguson, who had served as a judge since 2015, had his bail revoked in September 2024 after violating the terms of his release by consuming alcohol. He was released again after posting a $2 million bond but was taken into custody following the jury’s verdict. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office had requested a conflict check with the California Attorney General’s Office following the shooting, but it was determined that there was no conflict and they could prosecute the case.
