The trial of former Orange County Superior Court judge Jeffrey Ferguson, accused of shooting and killing his wife Sheryl Ferguson, commenced with opening statements expected Wednesday in a courthouse erstwhile seen as his domain, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The 74-year-old faces a felony count of murder along with enhancements for personal firearm use and discharge resulting in great bodily injury and death, Ferguson's legal team acknowledges the firing of the weapon, pulling it from an ankle holster, but insists it was accidental, whereas the prosecution argues otherwise.
As noted by NBC Los Angeles, if convicted on all charges, Ferguson could face up to 40 years to life behind bars, but the conviction is predicated on the argument hinged in the texts he sent moments after the shooting which read "I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry," convey a somber admittance of actions taken.
Ferguson’s bail was revoked last year after the judge overseeing his case accused him of lying about drinking alcohol while out on bail. He was taken back into custody, and his bail was reset at $2 million. "I hate it when people lie to me," Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter said while imposing the new bail conditions. "Let's not forget — this is a murder case." Ferguson claimed that his alcohol monitor was triggered after he applied hand sanitizer and medication to reduce ankle swelling. The judge dismissed his explanation as a "ridiculous story." His attorney, Ed Welbourn, argued for less restrictive conditions due to Ferguson’s health issues, insisting he was not a "danger to society," as per CBS News.
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