Judge shot dead wife after heated argument after watching Breaking Bad

A judge has been found guilty of murder following a fatal shooting of his wife during a heated argument at their home while watching television. The court learned that 74-year-old Jeffrey Ferguson shot his 65-year-old wife, Sheryl, although he claimed it was an accident. The couple reportedly had a dispute over family finances during dinner at a Mexican eatery, which spilled over into their home as they tuned into Breaking Bad.

Post the shooting incident, Ferguson, alongside his son Phillip, called for emergency assistance. He also shockingly messaged his court clerk and bailiff: "I just lost it. I just shot my wife.



I won't be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I'm so sorry.

This was not an accident. Ferguson was trained to never point a gun at anything he didn't intend to destroy." On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Superior Court jury convicted Ferguson of murder.

Come June 13, the father faces life-altering consequences, with a potential prison sentence of 40 years to life waiting at his sentencing. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, acquainted professionally with Ferguson, expressed his sentiments after the jury's decision: "There are no winners here. Justice was achieved, but I'm very sad for the Ferguson family.

" The trial also disclosed that during their altercation at the restaurant on August 3, 2023, Ferguson had menacingly gestured with his hand like a gun towards Sheryl. Later, at their residence, when Sheryl goaded her husband about pointing an actual gun at her, he did so and fired, the prosecution argued, reports the Mirror . However, Ferguson had argued that he was merely attempting to move the gun from his ankle holster to a table when he accidentally discharged it.

This explanation was ultimately dismissed by the jury at the Los Angeles court. Following Ferguson's arrest, police discovered an arsenal of 47 weapons at his Anaheim, California, residence. The cache included the firearm used in the shooting and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition.

Authorities noted that Ferguson, who ascended to the bench in 2015, had extensive knowledge and training in handling firearms. Before becoming a judge, the defendant had a lengthy career as a prosecutor. He launched his legal journey in the district attorney's office in 1983, later specializing in narcotics cases and earning numerous accolades.

Despite being released on $2 million (£1.50 million) bail, Ferguson was not allowed to preside over court proceedings due to state constitution provisions prohibiting judges facing felony charges from hearing cases. The convicted murderer is set to be sentenced at the same court on June 13.

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