The tragic incident occurred on August 3, as authorities responded to reports of the shooting around 8 p.m.
Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson has been taken into custody after allegedly shooting his wife, Sheryl Ferguson
Officials have revealed that shortly after the alleged shooting, Jeffrey Ferguson conveyed a text message to his court staff, including the court clerk and bailiff. According to prosecutors, the message confessed his actions and expressed remorse for the shooting, stating, “I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office reported that the deadly dispute had its origins in a restaurant argument between the couple on the night of the incident. The altercation escalated when they returned home, and Sheryl Ferguson reportedly provoked Jeffrey Ferguson, making a statement akin to “Why don’t you point a real gun at me?”
Allegedly responding to her provocation, Jeffrey Ferguson retrieved a handgun and shot his wife in the chest
Their adult son, who was present, immediately dialed 911 and conveyed that his father had consumed excessive alcohol before committing the act.
Following his arrest, Jeffrey Ferguson was granted release on August 4 after posting a $1 million bail. Prosecutors are currently advocating for revised bail terms to ensure public safety and prevent any potential flight attempts. Authorities also discovered an arsenal of 47 legally owned firearms and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition within the couple’s home. Notably, one rifle belonging to Jeffrey Ferguson remains unaccounted for.
Jeffrey Ferguson, who assumed his judicial role in 2015, now faces charges of murder with associated weapon-related enhancements.