Brother of slain wife backs Judge Jeffrey Ferguson as mistrial declared

The brother of the slain wife of Orange County Judge Jeffrey Ferguson came out in support of his brother-in-law on Monday.

The attorney representing Larry Rosen under California's Marsy's Law said Rosen and his family believe that Ferguson's actions in the fatal shooting of Sheryl Rosen were involuntary.

The statement was issued minutes before a judge declared a mistrial in the case. The jury had deliberated nine days without reaching a verdict. Ferguson testified at trial that his gun accidentally discharged when he laid it on a table, killing his wife. The prosecutors say the shooting was the result of a drunken domestic dispute over financial support for Ferguson's son from a previous relationship.

"I believe that the shooting incident was entirely accidental, that consumption of alcohol was not a contributing factor in my sister's shooting and that Jeff's arm would have given out regardless," Larry Rosen said in a statement released by attorney Nicholas Rosenberg of Los Angeles.

Rosen said his brothers also support Ferguson. His statement described his long-standing relationship with Ferguson, saying he has trusted him for years and has received valuable personal advice from him. He said he believes he is speaking for his late sister.

"I now feel that I am my sister's voice in supporting Jeff. My function right now is as a surrogate for Sheryl."

Rosen commended Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt, who led the prosecution team. He said they presented a strong case. However, he said he remains unconvinced of Ferguson's guilt. "I have more than reasonable doubt, I have significant doubt."

This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.