On Monday, March 10, 2025, CBS News reported that a mistrial was declared in the case of Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who faced charges for the murder of his wife, Sheryl Ferguson. After deliberating for nine days, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a split of 11-1 in favor of guilt on the second-degree murder charge.
The incident leading to the trial occurred on August 3, 2023, at the couple’s home in Anaheim Hills, California. Judge Ferguson, 74, was accused of shooting his 65-year-old wife during a domestic dispute. According to defense attorney Cameron Talley, after the mistrial was announced, Ferguson displayed no signs of jubilation, but rather sadness over the loss of his wife and concern for the possibility of facing another trial.
Ferguson, who has been released on a $2 million bail, admitted to the shooting but contended it was accidental. He stated that he had struggled with his gun due to a shoulder injury and that it misfired while he was attempting to set it on a coffee table. On the night of the shooting, Ferguson disclosed he had consumed alcohol, and the couple reportedly had an argument during dinner earlier that evening.
Authorities were alerted to the incident by the couple’s son, leading to Ferguson’s arrest and subsequent murder charges. The defense maintained that the shooting was a tragic accident, while the prosecution argued that evidence suggested Ferguson aimed the gun at his wife during a drunken confrontation, constituting second-degree murder. Prosecutors alleged that earlier in the day, Ferguson had threatened Sheryl by making a hand gesture that mimicked pointing a gun at her.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt emphasized to jurors that there was credible evidence indicating Ferguson’s actions were deliberate. “He took out the gun, he was angry,” Hunt stated, asserting that Ferguson’s behavior warranted a murder conviction.
In his defense, Ferguson’s legal team insisted he was not guilty of either second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter, arguing that the latter requires a lawful act performed in an illegal manner resulting in death through criminal negligence. They contended that Ferguson handled the firearm responsibly until the unfortunate incident occurred.
Following the mistrial, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated that the prosecution firmly believed in retrying the case, particularly given the jury’s significant lean toward a guilty verdict. Spitzer indicated that they hope to set a new trial date, potentially as early as April 7 or May 19.
Additionally, Spitzer mentioned the implications of Ferguson’s alcoholism, revealing that Ferguson’s drinking activities, which reportedly took place daily even while presiding over cases, would prompt a review of his prior legal decisions. Spitzer noted that individuals affected by Ferguson’s rulings could submit declarations to review whether they felt justice was compromised during his tenure on the bench.
In the aftermath of the mistrial, Larry Rosen, Sheryl Ferguson’s brother, expressed relief, stating that the family did not believe Ferguson acted with murderous intent. “In terms of the act that happened, clearly, we are all in agreement that it is involuntary—that it was something that happened accidentally,” he remarked.
Source: CBS News
