California Judge Faces Retrial After Mistrial in Wife's Shooting Death

Jeffrey Ferguson, accused of fatally shooting his wife, maintains the incident was an accident as new trial date is set to be determined.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson is accused of fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, at their Anaheim Hills home in August 2023.
The jury in Ferguson's trial was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial with an 11-1 split favoring a guilty verdict for second-degree murder.
Ferguson claims the shooting was accidental, citing a shoulder injury and alcohol consumption as contributing factors, while prosecutors argue it was an intentional act fueled by anger and alcohol.
Sheryl Ferguson's alleged last words, according to the couple's son, were 'He shot me,' while prosecutors presented evidence disputing Ferguson's account of the shooting.
A hearing to set a new trial date is scheduled for March 20, with the Orange County District Attorney's Office reviewing the case and consulting with the victim's family.