Judge Claims ‘Accidental’ Shooting of Wife Amid Drunken Argument in Shocking Testimony
In a courtroom drama that’s got everyone talking, Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson took the stand recently, emphatically proclaiming that the fatal shooting of his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, just a few weeks ago was nothing more than a tragic accident. The 74-year-old judge, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, recounted the fateful evening of August 3, 2023, where things took a deadly turn after what he described as a heated dinner debate about family finances stoked by a few too many drinks.
According to Ferguson, the evening began at a Mexican restaurant with their son, Phillip, where he admitted to downing multiple drinks – a beer, a rum and soda, and more. Later, back home, things escalated. The couple reportedly got into an argument, prompted by the judge’s ongoing financial support of his son from a previous marriage. Although the prosecution argues that things got so heated Ferguson drew his firearm after his wife taunted him, saying, “Why don’t you use a real gun?” Ferguson maintained that the incident was a pure accident. He claimed he was simply trying to ease the tension by placing the gun on the coffee table but tragically lost control of the weapon.
Ferguson described on the stand how he felt a sudden pain in his arm and “reflexively” reached for the gun as it dropped, inadvertently pulling the trigger in the process. “I didn’t want to drop it on the floor,” he explained, though the result was catastrophic; his wife, 65, was left fatally shot, leaving their son in shock and scrambling to call 911. This startling incident has drawn comparisons to other high-profile domestic violence cases and raises questions about gun safety, substance use, and judicial accountability.
Ferguson now faces serious charges, including felony murder and firearm enhancements, during a trial that will undoubtedly keep the headlines buzzing. With more testimony expected soon, this courtroom saga is far from over, and it’s clear the world is watching to see how justice will unfold.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, CBS News, San Bernardino Sun, Associated Press
