Orange County, CA – A 74-year-old former Orange County Superior Court judge was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison Wednesday for murdering his wife, with a Los Angeles judge criticizing him for repeatedly ignoring rules and abusing his position.
Sentence and Denial of Bond Request
During the sentencing hearing, lawyers for Jeffrey Ferguson requested that he either remain in the Orange County Jail instead of going to state prison or be released on bond during the appeal process to stay closer to his legal team. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter rejected both requests, saying there was no justification for such an exception.
“Mr. Ferguson doesn’t pay attention to the rules. He just doesn’t. He doesn’t think the rules apply to him,” Hunter said.
Background: Murder of Sheryl Ferguson
Ferguson, who was convicted in April, killed his wife Sheryl Ferguson, 65, following a “drunken argument over money” in 2023. Prosecutors said Ferguson confessed to the shooting in a text sent to his court clerk and bailiff minutes after the incident.
At the time, Ferguson was 72 years old. The couple’s 22-year-old son, Phillip Ferguson, discovered the aftermath and called 911, reporting that his father had shot his mother.
Details of the Crime
Prosecutors described the events leading up to Sheryl Ferguson’s death:
- Ferguson had simulated pointing a gun at his wife during an argument at a Mexican restaurant.
- After the shooting, instead of rendering aid, Ferguson texted his clerk and bailiff:
“I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
- Ferguson used a .40 caliber pistol from an ankle holster to shoot Sheryl through the chest while she was defenseless in her home.
Judge Hunter Criticizes Ferguson’s Conduct
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Hunter called Ferguson’s behavior a gross abuse of power and highlighted repeated examples of him ignoring rules:
- Drinking while on an ankle monitor and presiding over court matters
- Talking about the trial with a bail bondsman in the courtroom hallway
- Disregarding instructions on where to sit and behavior around jurors
Hunter emphasized Ferguson’s failure to adhere to any rules, including not having a gun while angry, despite warnings. She also noted the trauma inflicted on his son, who was forced to attempt CPR on his mother…