Orange

Orange County Judge Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Wife’s Shooting After Tumultuous Retrial

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Santa Ana, Calif. — In a stunning conclusion to a high-profile retrial, Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson was convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of his wife after an emotionally charged courtroom battle. The verdict was reached on Tuesday, as shocked family members and onlookers absorbed the gravity of the decision in a silent courtroom. The 74-year-old judge was found guilty of murdering his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, on August 3, 2023, at their Anaheim Hills home following a dispute exacerbated by alcohol consumption. The jury, after deliberating for a total of … Read more

Closing Arguments Set in Retrial of Orange County Judge Accused of Murdering Wife During Argument

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Santa Ana, Calif. — Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday in the retrial of Jeffrey Ferguson, a 74-year-old former Orange County judge, who is facing charges of fatally shooting his 65-year-old wife, Sheryl Ferguson, during a heated argument at their home on Aug. 3, 2023. The case, which has captured local attention due to Ferguson’s previous role in law enforcement, revisits complex issues involving firearms and domestic disputes. Ferguson’s defense hinges on his assertion that the shooting was accidental. He claimed that he was trying to place the gun on a cluttered coffee table when … Read more

Orange County Judge Hosts Eighth-Graders for Courtroom Leadership and Career Exploration Day

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GOSHEN, N.Y. — A local courtroom in Goshen became a classroom this week when Orange County Court Judge Craig Brown hosted a group of promising eighth-graders from the Junior Leadership Orange (JLO) program. The students had the unique opportunity to observe real criminal proceedings and engage in discussions about the workings of the legal system and potential career paths within it. Judge Brown, along with other notable attendees including Judge Hyun Chin Kim, Sheriff Paul Arteta, and Undersheriff Will Garcia, took part in the educational initiative, emphasizing the importance of guiding young minds toward leadership … Read more

Orange County Man Indicted for First-Degree Murder After Fatal ATV Shooting Incident

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A local grand jury has brought first-degree murder charges against Ralph Hensel in connection with the fatal shooting of Ja’Keem Williams last month in Winter Garden. Williams was killed while riding an ATV near an apartment complex, sparking widespread reactions from the community. The incident unfolded when Hensel, 57, allegedly approached Williams and shot him after a verbal altercation. Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots moments after Hensel confronted Williams. Prior to the shooting, there had been complaints about ATV riders in the vicinity, according to law enforcement officials. Following the shooting, … Read more