Key Takeaways:

• Judge Jeffrey Ferguson faces murder charges for fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl, during a marital dispute.
• The incident occurred while they were watching 'Breaking Bad' after a dinner argument about finances.
• Ferguson claims the shooting was accidental, though prosecutors contend otherwise, emphasizing his alcohol consumption that night.

A Southern California judge is currently on trial for the fatal shooting of his wife, an incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the Orange County legal community. Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who is now 74 years old, reportedly pulled a loaded gun from his ankle holster and shot his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, during a heated argument on August 3, 2023, while the couple watched the television series Breaking Bad at their home in Anaheim Hills. According to HuffPost, police body-camera footage played for jurors during the trial includes Ferguson's own admission: "I killed her. I did it."

Prosecutors, led by Seton Hunt, argue that the shooting followed a night of conflict that began over financial discussions during dinner at a local restaurant. Hunt described how Ferguson had made a gun hand gesture toward Sheryl, who chided him to point a real gun at her. Following her provocative comment, Ferguson allegedly did just that, resulting in her death. His attorney, Cameron J. Talley, acknowledges the shooting but asserts it was unintentional. Ferguson, who has pleaded not guilty, is expected to testify in his defense.

After the shooting, both Ferguson and his son called 911. Investigators revealed that the judge sent a text to his court clerk, stating, "I just lost it. I just shot my wife" and expressed remorse for his actions. His son, Phillip Ferguson, testified in court, recounting the chaotic moment and noting that he performed CPR on his mother after the shooting, recalling her last words, “He shot me.” This was shown in reports covered by SFGate.

Investigators later discovered a staggering cache of firearms in Ferguson's home, totaling 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition. Prosecutors argue that Ferguson's extensive experience and training in firearm handling contradict the notion that the shooting could have been accidental. This case has created a significant uproar in the legal community, necessitating that a Los Angeles County judge oversee the proceedings to avert any potential conflicts of interest.

Ferguson has an extensive legal history, having worked as a former narcotics prosecutor and serving as an Orange County judge since 2012. He has faced previous scrutiny, including a reprimand for social media conduct. Despite the charges against him, California law allows judges facing felony charges to continue receiving a salary, though Ferguson is currently barred from presiding over cases. The trial continues, and the outcome remains a focal point of public and legal discourse.

For further details, refer to the complete articles from IndiaTimes and HuffPost.