Mistrial Declared in Case Against California Judge Accused of Killing His Wife
The defense attorney remarked on his client, saying: “He’s relieved, but … he’s not celebrating.” The question of whether a new trial will take place remains uncertain.
A mistrial was declared on Monday concerning a Southern California judge who faced murder charges for the deadly shooting of his wife in 2023.
The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision, with 11 out of 12 jurors voting for a guilty verdict.
Jeffrey Ferguson is currently out on a $2 million bond, as confirmed by his defense attorney, Cameron Talley.
“The jury foreperson indicated to us for the past week that there was some movement among the jurors, suggesting an initial close division. However, the movement over time implies that there were jurors who initially did not believe it was murder,” Talley shared with NTD News, a sister outlet of The Epoch Times, on March 10.
Talley confirmed that the 75-year-old former judge was arrested on suspicion of fatally shooting his wife on August 3, 2023, shortly after 8 p.m., as reported by the Anaheim Police Communications Center.
When officers arrived, they found 65-year-old Sheryl Ferguson suffering from at least one gunshot wound and she was pronounced dead on the scene, according to Anaheim Police.
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The couple had been consuming alcohol, and forensic evidence indicated that the shooting was accidental, according to Talley.
“He’s relieved, but he has lost his wife, Sheryl,” Talley commented. “He’s still old and unwell. He’s not celebrating this moment.”
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, whose office handled the prosecution of the case, did not respond to inquiries but released a statement regarding the mistrial.
“Justice lies in the hands of 12 jurors who were taken from their daily lives and given the significant task of weighing the evidence to determine guilt or innocence,” Spitzer stated. “While we are disappointed with the outcome, we will review the jury’s inquiries along with the facts and will meet with the victim’s family in the coming weeks to decide how to proceed with this case. The District Attorney is always ready to meet with the victim’s family if they wish to discuss.”
Ferguson previously worked for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office from 1983 until his election as a judge in 2015.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter presided over the trial.
“My client is quite happy,” Talley remarked, “because if he had been convicted, he would have been taken into custody and likely spent the rest of his life in prison.”
Ferguson’s attorney Cameron Talley (R) speaks to the media while co-counsel Kaveh Newmen listens in Santa Ana, Calif., on March 10, 2025.Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register via AP
Talley mentioned that Judge Hunter suggested April 7 or May 19 as potential dates for a new trial.
“That’s if the DA intends to proceed with a new trial,” Talley stated. “I’m hopeful there can be some resolution at this point.”
Talley refrained from elaborating on what a resolution might look like if a new trial does not occur.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
