Jurors told that the judge texted bailiff and clerk to say he couldn’t attend court the next day because “I just shot my spouse.”
Criminal Justice
Judge texted bailiff, clerk that he can’t be in court next day because ‘I just shot my wife,’ jurors are told
February 20, 2025, 12:32 pm CST
Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson appears during a hearing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on Aug. 15, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Damian Dovarganes/The Associated Press)
A California judge admitted that he shot his wife in a text to court personnel, in a police car and when sitting alone in a police interrogation room, jurors were told Wednesday.
Judge Jeffrey Ferguson of the Orange County Superior Court in California is accused of fatally shooting his wife in August 2023 while watching the AMC TV show Breaking Bad at their home and arguing about finances. Their adult son was also present.
Law360, the Associated Press and KABC have coverage.
Ferguson’s defense lawyer maintains that the shooting was an accident, according to the AP.
Orange County, California, Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt showed jurors a copy of a text to Ferguson’s clerk and bailiff, the articles report.
“I just lost it. The articles report that the Orange County, California, Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt showed jurors a copy of a text message to Ferguson’s clerk and bailiff. I will not be at work tomorrow. I will be in jail. The text read: “I’m sorry.” Law360.
According to Law360.
Jurors also saw a video of Ferguson murmuring to himself in an interrogation room with police. Ladies and gentlemen, convict her. He said: “I did it.” F- – -. Hunt said a forensic scientist would testify that the level was likely 0.17 or more when Ferguson’s wife, Sheryl, was shot. Hunt is seeking a conviction for second-degree murder, according KABC. It’s unclear whether jurors will also be able to consider a manslaughter charge.
See also:
Criminal court judge, 72, arrested in wife’s shooting death
Judge who made ‘reckless’ Facebook allegation about prosecutor is admonished
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