Former Savannah Police officer charged with murder appears in court

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Monday, in the Chatham County Courthouse a hearing for a former Savannah police officer charged with murder.

Attorneys for Ernest Ferguson urged a judge to grant him bond.

Ferguson is facing several charges tied to the death of a man named Saudi Lee in 2022.

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Monday, his lawyers brought in witnesses- who told the judge why if he should be given bond until his trial.

The first of the two witnesses was Dr. Tom Black, a licensed counselor and mental health expert.

He used something called a Personality Assessment Inventory, a 344-question test that gives him information on Ferguson’s mental state.

This helped to answer questions such as the likelihood of him reoffending.

A second witness, Eric Louvin, a San Antonio car dealership owner where Ferguson once worked, described Ferguson’s journey to sobriety and agreed to serve as a court-approved guardian if bond is granted.

Under questioning, Louvin said he can provide around-the-clock supervision, adding that Ferguson would live in his home and work with him daily.

Defense counsel argued that Ferguson’s employment and stable housing would reduce risk.

Prosecutors countered that the plan does not account for outside influences.

The judge did not rule on bond Monday.

The next court appearance is scheduled for November 21.