Judge on Trial for Wife’s Murder Says He Works After Drinking

A California state judge charged with the murder of his wife testified Tuesday that he may have sentenced criminal defendants after drinking alcohol, as prosecutors presented receipts showing he began drinking at lunchtime on the day of the shooting.

Judge Jeffrey Ferguson of California Superior Court, Orange County was drunk when he shot and killed his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, in August 2023, according to prosecutors. His drinking that day began when he ordered an Old Fashioned cocktail at lunch, according to a receipt shown by prosecutor Seton Hunt.

Hunt said Ferguson, who handled criminal cases, often ordered drinks at lunch ...