California Judge Who Shot His Wife During Drunken Argument While Watching 'Breaking Bad' Claims He 'Lost It': Police

A judge in Orange County, California, who shot his wife of 28 years during a drunken argument while watching "Breaking Bad" faces life in prison.

On August 3, 2023, Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, and his wife, Sheryl, had gotten into an argument over the family's finances while out to dinner. Their dispute continued later that night while they were watching television, and Jeffrey mimed shooting his wife, according to CBS News.

After she taunted him to actually shoot her, Ferguson grabbed a gun from his ankle holster and fatally shot his wife in her chest. The couple's son called police, and the judge was heard later admitting to pulling the trigger. He also texted his court clerk and bailiff, writing, "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 suspect pleaded not guilty, claiming he didn't mean to shoot his wife. He was charged with one count of murder, including felony sentencing enhancements of personal use of a firearm and discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and death.

His trial began on Wednesday, and, if convicted, he faces 40 years to a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Ferguson has served as an elected Orange County Superior Court judge since 2015 after spending more than 30 years as a prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. While on trial, Ferguson cannot hear cases under California's state constitution, but he can continue receiving a paycheck, AP reported.