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In a gripping turn of events, California judge Jeffrey Ferguson, a 72-year-old Orange County Superior Court Judge,  accused of killing his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, 65, earlier this month in their Anaheim Hills residence.

The chilling aftermath revealed a text message from Judge Ferguson to court personnel: "I just lost it. I just shot my wife."

Amidst the shockwaves this case is sending throughout the legal community, Ferguson faces three grave felony charges: murder, personal use of a firearm, and discharge of a firearm causing significant injury and death.

If found guilty across the board, he could be staring down a 40 years-to-life sentence.

California Judge Accused of Killing Wife : The Night in Question

On the evening of Aug. 3, after a distressing call from the judge's adult son shortly post 8 p.m. PST, Anaheim Police took Ferguson into custody.

The son's harrowing 911 call reported the shooting of Sheryl Ferguson, revealing further that his father had been under the influence.

Yet, Judge Ferguson was released the following day on a $1 million bail.

However, Todd Spitzer, the Orange County District Attorney, voiced concerns over the judge's potential flight risk.

As Spitzer keenly observed, someone of Ferguson's stature and age, intimately familiar with the justice system, would be all too aware of the stark reality: a conviction might mean dying behind bars.

To the tumult, Ferguson's defense attorneys, Meyer and Barnett, weighed in on the tragedy, stating: "It was an accident and nothing more."

The Tense Dinner

Delving into the specifics, a heated dispute erupted between the Fergusons at a nearby eatery, where the judge, in a foreboding gesture, pointed a finger at his wife mimicking a gun.

As the evening progressed, the couple, joined by their son, continued their fiery exchange at home.

In a chilling twist, Sheryl Ferguson challenged her husband, referencing his earlier finger-gun gesture, urging him to "point a real gun" at her.

Tragically, the judge obliged, firing a Glock .40 pistol from his ankle holster.

Rapid Responses

The son wasted no time in alerting authorities.

Judge Ferguson too made a 911 call but remained evasive when questioned about the shooter's identity.

Furthermore, he sent an alarming text to his court clerk and bailiff, indicating his responsibility for the tragic incident.

California Judge Accused of Killing Wife : A House Full of Weapons

Upon executing a search warrant, authorities discovered a staggering arsenal within the judge's premises: 47 firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, along with over 26,000 rounds of ammunition.

The judge's counsel handed over one more rifle, but a .22 rifle remains unaccounted for, fueling further concerns.

As a result, Spitzer is pushing for tight restrictions on Ferguson, including wearing an ankle monitor and surrendering all firearms.

The Drinking Problem

Seven hours post the incident, Ferguson's blood alcohol concentration was pegged at .06%. The son lamented their frequent and intense altercations, especially when alcohol was in the mix. Consequently, restrictions on Ferguson's alcohol consumption have been proposed.

Ferguson's Legal Past

Having served on the bench since 2015, Judge Ferguson's roots trace back to the Orange County District Attorney's Office from 1983. Given this connection, a conflict check was initiated, but the DA was given the green light for prosecution.

The case continues under People v. Jeffrey Malcolm Ferguson in the Superior Court of California for Orange County.