Southern California Judge Pleads Not Guilty to Murder in Wife’s Accidental Shooting
Southern California Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who stands accused of killing his wife during an argument while intoxicated, pleaded not guilty to murder on Tuesday. According to his lawyer, the shooting was an unfortunate accident. The judge, who has been released on $1 million bail, has been ordered to adhere to new bail conditions. These conditions include surrendering his passport, submitting to searches, and wearing monitoring devices for blood alcohol content and GPS tracking. Additionally, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and alcohol, and is not allowed to visit bars or liquor stores.
Following the hearing, Ferguson’s legal team expressed confidence that a jury would find their client innocent, under the belief that no crime was committed. Attorney Paul Meyer emphasized that the shooting was unintentional and accidental. The hearing took place in Los Angeles since Ferguson is a judge who hears criminal cases in Orange County, which is about 25 miles southeast.
The next hearing in Ferguson’s case is scheduled for October 30. The arrest of the 72-year-old judge occurred on August 3 at his residence in the upscale neighborhood of Anaheim Hills, after police discovered his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, shot to death.
Prosecutors have alleged that the couple had been engaged in an argument and that the judge was under the influence of alcohol when he pulled a pistol from an ankle holster and shot her in the chest. Both the couple’s adult son and Ferguson contacted 911, and the judge also sent text messages to his court clerk and bailiff, confessing to the shooting and stating that he would be in custody.
Ferguson faces one count of murder and weapons-related enhancements. His arrest has shaken the Southern California legal community, prompting officials to consider how the case should be handled.
