California judge Jeffrey Ferguson hugs son as hes convicted of murdering his wife during argument

LOS ANGELES — Jurors convicted a Southern California judge of second-degree murder on Tuesday for fatally shooting his wife while the couple argued and watched television at home.Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, was on trial for the 2023 death of his wife Sheryl, 65, in their Anaheim Hills home.Ferguson took the stand in his own defense, admitting to shooting his wife but saying it was an accident.Jurors reached their decision Tuesday afternoon, a day after deliberations began.

After the verdict was read in court, Ferguson was given a moment to hug his son before he was handcuffed and taken into custody.He was also found guilty of a felony gun enhancement and faces a maximum prison term of 40 years to life when he is sentenced June 13.Ferguson’s attorney Cameron Talley said the defense plans to appeal.“I respect the jury’s verdict,” Talley said.

“At the same time, we all know that juries don’t always get it right … I still believe in Jeff.”The verdict comes after a previous jury deadlocked in March and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J.Hunter declared a mistrial.

Hunter has overseen the case to avoid a conflict of interest with the Superior Court in Orange County, where Ferguson presided over criminal cases until the shooting.The case had roiled the legal community in the county, which is home to 3 million people between Los Angeles and San Diego.Many have known or worked with Ferguson for decades, including Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.“There are no winners here,” Spitzer said during a news conference after the verdict.

“Justice was achieved, but I’m very sad for the Ferguson family.”Prosecutors said Ferguson had been drinking before he made a gun-like hand gesture toward his wife of 27 years during an argument about family finances they had during dinner at a Mexican restaurant on Aug.3, 2023.

Prosecutors said the argument continued at home while the couple was watching “Break...