In a shocking turn of events, Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 72, has been charged with murder after allegedly killing his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, 65, in their Anaheim home. Authorities received reports of a shooting at the couple's home shortly before 8 p.m. on August 3. As the investigation unfolded, prosecutors revealed that Ferguson had allegedly admitted to the shooting in a text message to court staff. According to the message he sent to his court clerk and bailiff, Ferguson wrote, "I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won't be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I'm so sorry."

The incident reportedly occurred following an argument between the couple at a restaurant earlier that evening. The argument continued when they returned home, and at one point, Sheryl Ferguson reportedly made a comment suggesting that her husband should "point a real gun" at her. It was at this moment that Jeffrey Ferguson allegedly pulled out a pistol and shot his wife in the chest.

Their adult son, who was present during the altercation, immediately called 911 to report the shooting. According to court documents, he informed the operator that his father had consumed too much alcohol before shooting his mother. When police arrived at the scene, Ferguson was reportedly smelling of alcohol and expressed disbelief at his actions, saying, "Oh man I can't believe I did this."

Following his arrest, a search of the couple's home uncovered a staggering number of weapons and ammunition. Authorities seized 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition, all legally owned by Ferguson. However, a rifle registered in his name was found to be missing. Prosecutors are seeking additional bail conditions to ensure public safety and prevent Ferguson from attempting to flee. They have requested that he surrender his passport, wear an ankle monitor, and have no access to alcohol or firearms.

Ferguson has been a judge since 2015, handling criminal cases in the city of Fullerton. He began his legal career in the Orange County district attorney's office in 1983 and earned recognition for his work on narcotics cases. In 2017, he faced disciplinary action from the Commission on Judicial Performance for posting a statement on Facebook about a judicial candidate without regard for the truth and for maintaining social media connections with attorneys appearing before him in court.

The tragic incident has left the Ferguson family devastated. Ferguson's attorneys, Paul Meyer and John Barnett, released a statement expressing their condolences and asserting that the shooting was an accident. They declined to comment further on the case. Meanwhile, friends and acquaintances remember Sheryl Ferguson as an active and dedicated member of her son's Boy Scout troop, deeply involved in his progress and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Jeffrey Ferguson was released on $1 million bail on August 4 and is set to be arraigned on September 1. Prosecutors have charged him with murder with weapons-related enhancements and are determined to seek justice for the victim. The case has sent shockwaves through the Orange County community and raised questions about the responsibilities and conduct expected of those in positions of power and authority.