News Summary
Jeffrey Ferguson, a 74-year-old ex-Superior Court judge in Orange County, was sentenced to 35 years to life for murdering his wife, Sheryl. The incident, rooted in a drunken argument, saw Ferguson fatally shoot his wife during a dispute. Despite claiming it was accidental, he faced conviction after a second trial. The case highlighted the troubling impact of alcohol in domestic disputes and the responsibilities held by those in power within the judiciary.
Orange County, California – Jeffrey Ferguson, a 74-year-old former Orange County Superior Court judge, was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of his 65-year-old wife, Sheryl Ferguson. The sentencing follows an incident on August 3, 2023, during which Ferguson fatally shot his wife after a drunken argument at their home in Anaheim Hills.
Ferguson was convicted on April 2025, after the first trial resulted in a mistrial due to a jury deadlock of 11-1 in favor of guilt. In a second trial, the jury reached a verdict of guilty within just a day of deliberation. He faced enhancements for personal use of a firearm and discharge causing great bodily injury and death.
During the course of the trial, it was revealed that Ferguson had a history of alcohol abuse and admitted to consuming alcohol on the night of the shooting. He acknowledged being an alcoholic and stated that the couple had been arguing about finances regarding money sent to his adult son from a previous marriage. The argument escalated while they were watching the television show “Breaking Bad.” Ferguson claimed that he shot his wife after misinterpreting her words, insisting the act was accidental.
His son, Phillip, witnessed the shooting and attempted to perform CPR on his mother after tackling Ferguson to wrestle the gun away from him. Following the incident, Ferguson sent text messages to his court bailiff and clerk indicating that he had lost control and shot his wife, expressing remorse.
Authorities measured Ferguson’s blood-alcohol level at 0.065% seven hours after the shooting, although experts estimated it could have been around 0.17% at the time of the incident, nearly double the legal limit for driving.
In his defense, Ferguson’s legal team argued that the shooting was accidental and that he intended to reconcile with his wife rather than harm her. However, the prosecution condemned Ferguson’s actions as murder, stating that they not only resulted in the loss of life but also tarnished the integrity of the judiciary.
During the sentencing hearing, Ferguson broke down in tears as Judge Eleanor J. Hunter delivered the sentence. In an unusual show of support, Sheryl’s brother, Larry Rosen, requested leniency on behalf of Ferguson, suggesting that the incident was a tragic accident and expressing his forgiveness.
Ferguson’s case received significant media attention due to his position as a judge and the severity of the crime. District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the gravity of Ferguson’s actions, stating that they reflected a egregious failure of responsibility and judgment.
The sentencing of Jeffrey Ferguson marks a significant moment in a long legal battle and serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of domestic disputes exacerbated by alcohol. The case has raised discussions regarding the role of individuals in positions of power and the responsibilities they bear towards their family and community.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
- Daily News
- Google Search: Jeffrey Ferguson wife murder
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Scholar: Domestic violence and alcohol
- Orange County Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- CBS News
- Google News: Jeffrey Ferguson
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
