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Judge declares mistrial in case against California judge accused of killing his wife

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Judge declares mistrial in case against California judge accused of killing his wife

A mistrial has been declared in the 2023 murder case of an Orange County judge who is accused of shooting and killing his wife, the Associated Press confirmed.

A judge declared a mistrial on Monday after a jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the case against Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, who was charged with shooting and killing his wife Sheryl Ferguson in their Anaheim Hills home in August 2023.

The jury deliberated for more than 40 hours over eight days before determining they were unable to break the 11-1 stalemate on a second-degree murder charge, the outlet reported.

Prosecutors told the AP that they are planning to retry the case.

CALIFORNIA JUDGE WHO ALLEGEDLY KILLED HIS WIFE CONTINUES TO RECEIVE NEARLY $250K SALARY

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Judge Ferguson’s lawyer says it was an “accidental shooting.”  (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, Pool)

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer shared a statement with Fox News Digital on the mistrial being declared and said they were disappointed with the outcome but will continue to review what information the jury was presented with. 

“Justice rests in the hands of 12 strangers who were taken from their everyday lives and given the immense responsibility to weigh the evidence and determine guilt or innocence,” Spitzer said.

“Although we are disappointed with the outcome, we will be reviewing the questions presented by the jury along with the facts as well as meeting with the victim’s family in order to make a decision in the coming weeks regarding this case. The District Attorney has always been available to meet with the victim’s family should that be something they request.”

The shooting happened after Ferguson and his wife had an argument at a restaurant, when the two returned home and continued the argument before he pulled a pistol from his ankle holster and shot her in the chest, according to prosecutors. 

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The couple’s adult son claimed that his father was drunk at the time of the argument. 

Ferguson, who was a prosecutor before he became a judge in 2015, was initially released on $1 million bail but is now back in jail after he allegedly lied about drinking alcohol while awaiting trial.

CA JUDGE PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO KILLING SPOUSE AFTER ALLEGEDLY TEXTING COURT STAFF ‘I JUST SHOT MY WIFE’

Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 72, was on trial for the fatal shooting of his wife at their home.  (Anaheim Police Department)

Ferguson has pleaded not guilty, but prosecutors said he confessed to the killing when texting with his court clerk and bailiff.

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“I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry,” Ferguson allegedly wrote.

Prosecutors say Ferguson was drinking and shot her on purpose during the argument, while Ferguson claims the gun went off accidentally as he removed it from its holster.

Authorities found 47 weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition in the home, which are legally owned.

CALIFORNIA JUDGE TEXTED BAILIFF ‘I WON’T BE IN TOMORROW’ AFTER ALLEGEDLY KILLING HIS WIFE: POLICE

Prosecutors say Ferguson was drinking and shot her on purpose during the argument, while Ferguson claims the gun went off accidentally as he removed it from its holster. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, Larry Rosen via AP)

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The judge’s attorney told the outlet that he is hopeful there might be an agreement with prosecutors due to Ferguson’s age and the support he’s received from his wife’s brother and the couple’s son.

“I do think the evidence shows there was never any intent to intentionally kill anybody,” Cameron Talley told reporters, adding Ferguson’s life has already been destroyed, and he is still saddened by the loss of his wife.

Larry Rosen, Sheryl Ferguson’s brother, told reporters he was pleased with the outcome and doesn’t believe the killing was murder, adding he and his brothers feel the shooting was an accident, and he would like prosecutors to reach a deal with Ferguson.

“To me, it shows the jury, at least to some degree, is as conflicted as I am,” Rosen said. “I just don’t think murder is the right call. . I really don’t.”

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A hearing to set a new trial date is scheduled for Thursday.

Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion and the Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

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Wyoming

Rep. Elissa Campbell announces reelection campaign for Wyoming House District 56

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Rep. Elissa Campbell announces reelection campaign for Wyoming House District 56


CASPER, Wyo. — On Tuesday, Rep. Elissa Campbell announced her campaign for reelection to Wyoming House District 56.

A release from Campbell says that she’s determined to continue “a commitment to strong conservative leadership, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that the people of Wyoming have a clear unwavering voice in their state government.”

Campbell is a Wyoming native and University of Wyoming alumna. She currently serves as the executive director for the Wyoming Foundation for Cancer Care. She is also a Casper Rotarian and volunteers with Casper’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for kids in need.

Campbell has served in House District 56 since August 2024, taking over for former Representative Jerry Obermueller.

“Since taking office, Representative Campbell has diligently represented the values and priorities of the people of District 56 and communities across Wyoming,” the release states. “Her legislative efforts have focused on protecting Wyoming’s economy, defending individual freedoms, strengthening families, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

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Campbell has supported and advanced legislation that promotes energy independence. She has also advocated for policies that support local government, law enforcement and small businesses.

“Serving as the Representative for House District 56 has been a tremendous honor,” Campbell said. “Wyoming deserves leaders who listen, work hard, and never forget who they represent. I am running for re-election to continue fighting for our communities, our values, and our Wyoming way of life.”

Campbell emphasized that her campaign will continue to prioritize the principles that have guided her term: limited government, personal responsibility, economic opportunity and preserving Wyoming’s traditions for future generations.

“As long as I have the privilege of serving, I will continue to be a strong and independent voice for the people of Wyoming,” Campbell said. “District 56 deserves leadership that reflects our values and puts Wyoming first.”

The release notes that Rep. Campbell will host a series of community events in the coming months to meet with voters and discuss priorities for the next legislative session.

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In her first term, Campbell sponsored House Bill 22, co-sponsored House Bill 208 and helped advance Senate File 145.

On Aug. 20, 2024, Campbell defeated a pair of challengers to win the primary race for House District 56. She received 806 votes, roughly 55% of the ballots cast. Pete Fox received 37% of the votes and Pamela Mertens received 8% of the votes.

For more information on Campbell, visit www.campbell4wyoming.com.





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San Francisco, CA

California dominates top 10 priciest U.S. cities for homeowners — here’s what you need to earn

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California dominates top 10 priciest U.S. cities for homeowners — here’s what you need to earn


  • California dominates US housing costs, with 9 of 10 priciest metros; San Jose leads at $11,690/month.
  • San Francisco and Los Angeles also rank high, requiring annual incomes of $358,090 and $301,221 respectively.
  • Despite a slight decline in income requirements since 2025, affordability remains a distant dream for many.

From Silicon Valley to San Diego, the Golden State boasts nine of the 10 most expensive metropolitan areas in the US for homeowners, a new report revealed.

San Jose landed in the top spot, followed by San Francisco at No. 2 and Los Angeles at No. 5.

In San Jose, monthly housing costs come out to a $11,690, a new report found. Sundry Photography – stock.adobe.com
A view of downtown San Jose, California, with the Hotel De Anza in the center, new high-rise buildings, palm trees, and a man on a bicycle. Getty Images

An analysis from ConsumerAffairs examined monthly home payments across 200 of the nation’s largest metro areas to determine the income needed to afford a home in each location.

In San Jose, that monthly cost came out to a staggering $11,690 — making it by far the the most expensive US metro for homeowners for the second year in a row.

Buyers now need to earn an eye-popping $501,012 in annual income to afford a typical property.

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Nearby San Francisco ranked the second most expensive, with monthly housing costs at $8,355. AP

That figure dwarfs the city’s actual median household income of $164,801, exceeding it by a massive 204%, according to the report. It also far surpasses the national median household income of $81,604.

With a median home price of more than $1.55 million, ownership in the Silicon Valley city remains out of reach for most residents.

Nearby San Francisco ranked the second most expensive, with monthly housing costs at $8,355 and buyers needing to earn $358,090 annually to afford a home there, the analysis found.

In Los Angeles, monthly costs averaged $7,029, with buyers needing to earn $301,221.

In Los Angeles, monthly housing costs averaged $7,029. frank peters – stock.adobe.com

The 10 most expensive metro areas in the US and their average monthly costs:

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  • 1. San Jose: $11,690
  • 2. San Francisco: $8,355
  • 3. Santa Cruz: $354,973
  • 4. Santa Maria: $305,535
  • 5. Los Angeles: $301,221
  • 6. San Diego: $293,618
  • 7. San Luis Obispo: $280,591
  • 8. Oxnard: $276,805
  • 9. Salinas: $262,403
  • 10. Honolulu, Hawaii: $255,280

The only metro outside California to crack the top 10 was Honolulu.

The divide across the country is stark.

The gap between the income needed to buy a home in San Jose compared to Huntington, West Virginia, the most affordable metro in the analysis, stood at a staggering $447,362.

Santa Cruz ranked No. 3 on the list. Anadolu via Getty Images

Despite the sky-high costs, there is a slight silver lining: Income requirements in each of the top 10 cities in the ranking declined more than the average national drop of 3.2% since 2025.

Still, affordability remains a distant dream for many Americans.

Houses on a residential street in Cupertino, California. Bloomberg via Getty Images

The last time a typical US household could comfortably follow the 28% rule — spending no more than 28% of income on housing — was in 2015, when incomes exceeded required levels by just 0.4%.

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Today, buyers need 48% more income than the median household earns nationwide.


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Denver, CO

Denver area faces hazardous Wednesday morning commute as heavy, wet snow begins to fall

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Denver area faces hazardous Wednesday morning commute as heavy, wet snow begins to fall


DENVER — A strong, late-season snowstorm has moved into northern Colorado and the Front Range Tuesday evening and will continue into Wednesday, making for a hazardous morning commute.

MORE | Denver7 weather blog

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from midnight Tuesday through 3 p.m. Wednesday.

How much are we getting?

The NWS forecasts 5-8 inches of snow for the Interstate 25 corridor, while areas closer to the foothills could receive up to 9 inches.

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For the Eastern Plains, forecasters expect 2-6 inches of snow, a lower total than in the Front Range.

The Northern Mountains and foothills could receive as much as 2 feet of snow, with Estes Park and surrounding areas seeing early accumulation Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Southern Mountains are forecasted to get 6-14 inches.

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When will it get here?

In Denver, rain began to transition to snow around 5 p.m. And snow accumulation is expected to continue into Wednesday afternoon, according to the NWS.

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Forecasters expect that from Tuesday at midnight to 9 a.m. Wednesday will see the brunt of this storm in the Denver metro area.

Screenshot 2026-05-05 at 2.39.58 PM.png

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What are the biggest concerns?

That midnight-to-9 a.m. stretch of snowfall should have the biggest impact, according to the NWS.

Wet, heavy snowfall poses the greatest risk for broken branches and tree damage, especially in areas with the largest accumulations, which can cause scattered power outages.

Hazardous conditions, especially for the morning commute in the Denver metro area, are expected due to heavy snowfall. The Colorado Department of Transportation is prepared for these impacts.

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CDOT said there will be about 100 plows throughout the storm, focusing on clearing interstates and major roadways first before secondary roads.

Tuesday evening forecast

When will it skidaddle out of here?

Snow accumulation should end north to south by midday Wednesday, with drier weather moving in Wednesday night into Thursday.

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Denver will see a high of 39 degrees with a low dropping below freezing on Wednesday. A freeze warning is likely on Wednesday night.

Thursday, we may see a shower or two, but mild springlike conditions will return.

Screenshot 2026-05-05 at 2.41.20 PM.png

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Weather Links

MORE: Hourly forecast | Latest forecast | Radars | Traffic | Weather Page | 24/7 Weather Stream

Stream live, current temperatures plus radars across Colorado anytime for free on the free Denver7+ app on your TV or watch from your computer or mobile phone anytime.

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