California judge pleads not guilty to murder in wife’s death

By AMY TAXIN
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Southern California judge charged with killing his wife during an argument while he was drunk has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer says it was an “accidental shooting.” Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ricardo Ocampo on Tuesday ordered Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson to surrender his passport, submit to searches, and wear monitoring devices as part of new bail conditions sought by prosecutors. Prosecutors sought the conditions for the 72-year-old judge after authorities found 47 weapons at his home. Ferguson was arrested Aug. 3 after his wife was found shot in their home. He was charged with one count of murder and weapons-related enhancements. Authorities say Ferguson texted his court clerk and bailiff to say he had shot her.