Judge Jeffrey Ferguson’s testimony came hours after his attorney acknowledged to jurors that the judge is an alcoholic who was arguing with his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, before pulling the gun that

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A Southern California judge charged with the murder of his wife took the stand Monday to testify in his own defense, telling the courtroom he accidentally shot her with the gun he carried in an ankle holster.

Ex-Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who was charged in August 2023 with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his wife with a pistol, fought back tears on Monday as he told the jury in a California state court that his wife's death was an accident.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson — who is standing trial for allegedly shooting and killing his wife, Sheryl Ferguson — testified that he had shot her by “accident” after the pair had gotten into an argument earlier in the night.

Prosecutors say Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson pulled a loaded gun from his ankle holster and shot and killed his wife during an argument while the couple was watching television.

An Orange County Superior Court judge testified Monday that he did not intend to fatally shoot his wife and that the gun was accidentally triggered. Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, is charged with murder with sentencing enhancements for discharge of a gun causing death and the personal use of a gun for the Aug.