Judge Released on Bail Amid Murder Allegations

A California judge, Jeffrey Ferguson, accused of killing his wife, has been released on USD 2 million bail. Ferguson, 74, was previously detained for lying about alcohol consumption while on bail. He pleaded not guilty to murder, claiming the shooting was accidental. His next court appearance is in November.

In a high-profile legal case, Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson has been freed on a USD 2 million bail after being charged with the murder of his wife. The bail release follows his recent re-arrest for allegedly lying about alcohol consumption while on bail.

Ferguson, aged 74, maintains his innocence, claiming the fatal shooting of his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, in August 2023 was accidental. Reports indicate a domestic argument preceded the incident, during which Ferguson, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, discharged a pistol from an ankle holster.

Law enforcement officials have disclosed the discovery of a cache of weapons and ammunition at Ferguson's residence. His legal proceedings are ongoing, with a court appearance scheduled for November 15, as affirmed by his attorney, Ed Welbourn.

(With inputs from agencies.)