'I just shot my wife. I won't be in tomorrow,' Texts Prominent California Judge
In a shocking case out of California, Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson stands accused of killing his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, following a violent confrontation in their Anaheim Hills home. As the details of the night unfold, the question remains: How did a respected judge come to commit such a heinous act?
A Heated Argument Turns Fatal
The incident unfolded on the evening of Aug. 3, 2023, when Judge Jeffrey Ferguson and his wife, Sheryl, got into a heated argument at a restaurant. According to reports, the argument continued at their Anaheim Hills home, where tensions escalated further. At one point, prosecutors say that Sheryl made a remark suggesting her husband point a real gun at her, which tragically led to Ferguson pulling out a loaded .40-caliber pistol from his ankle holster.
In a moment of apparent rage, Jeffrey allegedly shot Sheryl at close range in the chest. Their adult son, who was present at the scene, immediately called 911, reporting that his father had been drinking and had shot his mother. Jeffrey also called 911, but when asked by the operator if he had shot his wife, he reportedly refused to discuss the matter.
The Message Sent From the Scene
What followed shortly after the shooting shocked many. Jeffrey, who had just allegedly taken his wife's life, texted his court clerk and bailiff, saying, "I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won't be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I'm so sorry," as reported by PEOPLE. At first, his staff thought the message was a joke, but it soon became clear his message was a harrowing confession and not an innocent prank.
The text revealed a chilling glimpse into the judge's state of mind after the incident. Why would someone so familiar with the law treat it so recklessly? And how could a respected member of the community resort to murder in the heat of the moment? While the circumstances point to a bad decision in the heat of a violent altercation, Jeffrey's actions have raised many questions and left friends and family struggling to understand how this could have happened.
Jeffrey's Arrest and Charges
Following the shooting, Ferguson was arrested, and authorities discovered 47 firearms and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition in his home. He has been charged with three felonies: murder, discharge of a firearm causing death, and personal use of a firearm. Ferguson pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment and remains free on bail as his case progresses.
Phillip Ferguson, the couple's son, was present during the incident. He recalled seeing his father point a gun at his mother and witnessing a flash when the gun went off. However, Phillip believed the discharge was an "accident" and immediately pinned his father down to take the firearm away before performing CPR on his mother. Defense attorney Ed Welbourn maintains that the shooting was not intentional, stating, "It's not a murder. It's a terrible accident that resulted in the death of the love of his life," as reported by Newsweek. Jeffrey pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment and was released on bail.
As part of his bail conditions, Jeffrey was required to wear a GPS tracking device and an alcohol-monitoring anklet. However, just months after his release, his behavior would once again come under scrutiny.
Judge's Bail Revoked for Alcohol Violation
In a surprising twist, Jeffrey's bail was revoked in September 2024 after the alcohol-monitoring device registered positive readings for alcohol consumption. He had previously claimed that he had not been drinking, offering an explanation that involved the use of hand sanitizer and other medications, which the court deemed "ridiculous." The alcohol-monitoring company, which tested Jeffrey's sweat for alcohol every 30 minutes, confirmed that the readings indicated actual consumption, not just a result of other substances.
As a result, Jeffrey was taken back into custody and faced an additional hearing regarding his bail conditions. His new bail was set at $2 million, with even stricter restrictions, including a ban on attending any establishments that serve alcohol.
Public Shock and Family Grief
The case has shocked many, particularly those in the Southern California legal community, where Ferguson had been a prominent figure for years. With a career spanning several decades, including his time as a prosecutor and president of the North Orange County Bar Association, Jeffrey's arrest has left many stunned and confused. Sheryl Ferguson's brother described his sister as caring and selfless, and said that her family "is absolutely in shock," according to Investigation Discovery.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes will be on the court as it decides the fate of a man who once held a position of trust and authority, now accused of the unthinkable. In the meantime, the community is left grappling with the chilling details of what really happened that fateful night.
References: Judge Accused Of Killing Wife Allegedly Texted Staff 'I Just Shot My Wife. I Won't Be In Tomorrow." | Orange County judge charged in wife's death has bail revoked for drinking alcohol | Who is Jeffrey Ferguson? Judge Claims He Accidentally Killed Wife
