On Friday, April 25, 2025, the California Commission on Judicial Performance suspended Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson from office without pay. This decision follows Ferguson’s recent conviction for second-degree murder related to the fatal shooting of his wife, Sheryl, in 2023. The commission’s order reflects the serious nature of the offense, which has garnered significant attention.
Ferguson, who has served as a judge since 2015, was found guilty by a jury on April 22, 2025, after a retrial stemming from an earlier deadlocked jury. The shooting occurred during an argument at their Anaheim Hills home on August 3, 2023. Prosecutors contended that Ferguson, while intoxicated, shot his wife with a .40-caliber Glock handgun, claiming the incident was accidental. After the shooting, he sent a text message to a court bailiff stating, “I just lost it. I just shot my wife.”
The commission’s suspension is rooted in the California Constitution, which allows for disciplinary actions against judges in light of criminal convictions. Judge Ferguson’s case has raised concerns regarding his conduct, particularly in relation to his previous judicial responsibilities.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer noted that the district attorney’s office is reviewing cases Ferguson presided over during periods when he may have been under the influence of alcohol.
Ferguson’s attorney, Cameron J. Talley, stated that while they respect the jury’s decision, they maintain that Ferguson is innocent and plan to appeal the verdict. The judge faces a potential life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for June 13, 2025.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
