Santa Ana, California — Orange County Superior Judge Jeffrey Ferguson took the witness stand on Monday, testifying in his own defense during the ongoing trial concerning the fatal shooting of his wife. Ferguson, 74, faces murder charges, emphasized by allegations related to discharging and personally using a firearm in the August incident.
During his emotional testimony, Ferguson maintained that the shooting of his 65-year-old wife, Sheryl, was accidental, occurring amid a heated argument about financial support given to his son from a previous marriage. The argument, according to Ferguson, revolved around his financial assistance to his son Kevin, despite what he described as Kevin’s lack of appreciation and strained relations within the family.
Ferguson recounted that this particular dispute erupted on August 3, following his transfer of $2,000 to Kevin, which led to disappointment from Sheryl when a promised thank-you card failed to arrive. The dispute escalated during a family dinner that evening, which saw Ferguson consuming several alcoholic drinks.
As the evening wore on, the tension continued leading Ferguson to make a dismissive gesture with his hand like a gun, which he claimed was a habitual sign indicating capitulation in their arguments. However, he noted that his wife seemed embarrassed by the gesture.
Returning home, Ferguson attempted to reconcile with Sheryl as they watched television, though she remained distinctly upset. This culminated in a crucial moment when, responding to a comment from Sheryl, Ferguson tried to move his gun from his ankle holster to a coffee table, stating his intent to “get rid of it.”
According to Ferguson’s account, his attempt to set the gun down was hindered by physical limitations due to a shoulder injury, resulting in accidental discharge as he struggled to prevent the gun from hitting the floor. His memory of the immediate aftermath was unclear, but he recalled their son Phillip’s frantic reaction and his own pleas not to be shot, fearing Phillip might use the gun in a distressed state.
Following the incident, Ferguson went outside to call 911, a decision influenced by his extensive career in law enforcement and knowledge of protocol. He also sent messages to his clerk and bailiff, expressing remorse and stating his expectation of being taken into custody.
Upon police arrival, Ferguson was arrested, and subsequent video footage from the interrogation room, shown to the jury, displayed him in a distressed state, lamenting that his actions had caused his son to “hate him forever.”
The defense portrayed Ferguson’s actions as lacking malicious intent, arguing that the shooting was an unintended consequence of a tragic accident. Ferguson’s attorney emphasized his client’s regret and shock about the fatal outcome.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, with Ferguson expected to resume his testimony under the watchful eye of a Los Angeles County judge, brought in to preside over the case to avoid any potential conflict of interest. The sensitivity of the proceedings is underscored by a decision to excuse the jury should Ferguson become overwhelmed by emotion while testifying.
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