The retrial of Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson, who stands accused of the fatal shooting of his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, in their Anaheim Hills home, was abruptly interrupted this morning by a 5.2-magnitude earthquake. The tremor shook the courtroom and temporarily halted opening statements from the defense attorney.
Judge Ferguson, 74, is charged with the murder of his wife on August 3, 2023, following a heated argument about finances. A mistrial was declared last month when the initial jury remained deadlocked, with 11 jurors voting guilty for second-degree murder.
The trial resumed this morning with Senior Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt detailing the events that led to Sheryl Ferguson’s death. According to Hunt, the couple had been arguing throughout the evening, with Judge Ferguson having consumed alcohol prior to the fatal incident. The prosecution argued that the judge, an experienced gun owner, intentionally shot his wife after an argument escalated.
“Sheryl Ferguson isn’t here today because she was killed by a man who was a gun expert, who received extensive training on how to safely operate and use guns,” Hunt told the court. “He killed her with a concealed carry Glock that he always carried on his person.”
The defense, led by Frances Prizzia, contends that the shooting was accidental. Prizzia explained that Judge Ferguson’s firearm discharged while he was attempting to make amends with his wife after a verbal dispute. She asserted that the judge’s right shoulder, which is missing three tendons, caused him to fumble with the gun, leading to an accidental discharge.
As Prizzia outlined her defense, the courtroom was rocked by an earthquake at approximately 10:10 a.m. The shaking lasted several seconds, prompting Judge Eleanor J. Hunter to reassure jurors and ask if they needed a break. “Breathe in, breathe out,” she instructed as the tremor subsided.
Prizzia maintained that the death of Sheryl Ferguson was a tragic accident, stating that the judge removed his gun to attempt to resolve the tension in the family room. The defense also noted inconsistencies in the testimony of the couple’s son, Phillip Ferguson, who had witnessed the events.
The trial continues with further testimony scheduled for Tuesday morning.
The case, People of the State of California v. Jeffrey Ferguson (Case No. 23NF1975), is being heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.
