Opening statements begin Feb. 19 in the trial against Orange County California Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who is charged with killing his wife in an August 2023 shooting.

Ferguson, 74, has pled not guilty to the murder of his wife, Cheryl Ferguson. Prosecutors allege that the longtime judge, who had been drinking, retrieved a firearm from his ankle holster and shot his wife during an argument. The couple’s adult son was in the home and called 911, according to court filings.

The trial is taking place just miles from the courthouse where Ferguson once presided over criminal cases. Due to potential conflicts of interest, a Los Angeles County judge is overseeing the proceedings.

According to prosecutors, Ferguson made an admission shortly after the shooting.

Court documents state that he sent a text message to his court clerk and bailiff, saying, “I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”

Authorities later discovered 47 weapons and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition in his home, prosecutors said.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Alex has characterized the shooting as intentional, arguing that Ferguson’s alleged intoxication and prior conflict with his wife point to a motive.

Alex said the dispute began earlier in the evening during dinner at a restaurant and continued at home, where Cheryl Ferguson allegedly challenged her husband by saying, “Why don’t you point a real gun at me?” Moments later, he did, Alex said.

Defense attorney Cameron J. Talley argues that the shooting was accidental. Ferguson, he said, was putting away his firearm when it unintentionally discharged.

“It was not an intentional shooting and it wasn’t a negligent shooting. It’s just an accident,” Talley said.

Ferguson, who has been a judge for a decade and previously worked as a prosecutor, is expected to testify in his own defense.

Elected to the bench in 2014, Ferguson had built a reputation as an experienced prosecutor specializing in narcotics cases before becoming a judge.

Following the shooting, Ferguson was initially released on $1 million bail but was later taken back into custody after allegedly violating the terms of his release by consuming alcohol. A judge then raised his bail to $2 million, and he was released again in October.

Under California law, a judge facing felony charges is barred from hearing cases but continues to receive a salary. Ferguson’s name is no longer listed on the Orange County Superior Court website.

A spokesperson for the district attorney’s office and Ferguson’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times on the trial by publication time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.