Mistrial Declared in Murder Case Against California Judge Jeffrey Ferguson.
Santa Ana, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California judge charged with murdering his wife will face further legal uncertainty after a mistrial was declared on Monday. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, leaving the high-profile case unresolved.
Anaheim Police Department - Jeffrey Ferguson
Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, admitted to fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, in 2023 but maintained that it was an accident. The trial concluded with 11 out of 12 jurors favoring a guilty verdict for second-degree murder, though one holdout prevented a conviction. Prosecutors have already indicated they are prepared to retry the case.
Jury Deadlock and Mistrial Declared
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter, who presided over the case to avoid a conflict of interest, declared the mistrial and scheduled a hearing for Thursday to determine the next steps.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed confidence in the case, stating:
“Eleven to one is a success in the world in which we operate. She died in cold blood, and we’re going to get justice to the best of our ability.”
Spitzer also noted that his office will consult with Sheryl Ferguson’s family before proceeding.
The Night of the Shooting
The fatal incident occurred on August 3, 2023, at the couple’s home in Anaheim Hills, where they had been watching television after an argument. Earlier that evening, Ferguson had been drinking and allegedly made a gun-like hand gesture at his wife while dining out.
According to prosecutors, when Sheryl later mocked him at home, Ferguson retrieved a gun and fired a fatal shot. He later called 911, admitted to shooting her in a text message to court staff, and was visibly distraught on police bodycam footage.
Defense attorney Cameron Talley contended that the shooting was not intentional, describing it as an accident while Ferguson was handling his firearm. He argued:
“I do think the evidence shows there was never any intent to intentionally kill anybody.”
Sheryl and Jeffrey Ferguson
Family Reactions and Legal Fallout
Surprisingly, Sheryl Ferguson’s brother, Larry Rosen, expressed doubt over the murder charge, saying:
“I just don’t think murder is the right call. I really don’t.”
He acknowledged the jury’s division and stated that he would prefer prosecutors to reach a deal with Ferguson rather than pursue a retrial.
The case has deeply impacted Orange County’s legal community, where Ferguson had served as a judge since 2015 and, prior to that, as a prosecutor handling narcotics cases since 1983.
Authorities discovered 47 firearms and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition in Ferguson’s home, reinforcing the prosecution’s argument that he was highly trained in firearm safety and should have known better.
What Happens Next?
With a strong majority of jurors favoring conviction, the prosecution has the upper hand if the case is retried. However, the victim’s family’s support for leniency could influence negotiations for a plea deal.
Ferguson’s future remains uncertain, as California law bars judges facing felony charges from presiding over cases. Whether he returns to court as a defendant or avoids another trial altogether will be decided in the coming weeks.
With a case that has captivated legal experts and the public alike, all eyes remain on the next move in this high-stakes courtroom drama.
