Judge accused of murder after wife is found shot dead in California home, police say
A judge is accused of murder after his wife was found shot to death in their California home, police said.
Sheryl Ferguson, 65, was found inside the Anaheim home on Thursday, Aug. 3, with “at least one gunshot wound,” the Anaheim Police Department said in an Aug. 4 Facebook post. She was pronounced dead on scene.
Jeffrey Ferguson, 72, a judge with the Orange County Superior Court, was arrested at the home, police said.
In an emailed statement to McClatchy News, the Orange County Superior Court said it was made aware of Ferguson’s arrest Thursday evening.
“Our thoughts go to the family. We all pray for their comfort during this trying time,” Orange County Superior Court Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez said in the release. “Although no case has been filed with our Court, when appropriate we will take all necessary steps to ensure full compliance with our legal and ethical obligations.”
Ferguson, who is facing a murder charge, was booked into jail and is being held on $1 million bail, according to police.
He is expected to appear in court on Monday, Aug. 7, online jail records show.
Ferguson has served as a judge on the Superior Court of Orange County since 2015, according to a biography provided by Orange County Superior Court. His term is expected to end in 2027.
Ferguson began his law career in 1983 at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the biography says.
This story was originally published August 4, 2023 at 12:03 PM with the headline "Judge accused of murder after wife is found shot dead in California home, police say."
