Former Savannah police officer argues self-defense in murder hearing

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Former Savannah police officer Ernest Ferguson took the witness stand Monday to argue that he acted in self-defense during the fatal 2022 shooting of Saudi Lee.

Ferguson is charged with felony murder in connection with the on-duty shooting death. He is asking a judge to dismiss the charges.

Ferguson and his defense team presented their case using props and body camera footage, which defense attorneys argued appears to show Lee holding a gun. Ferguson’s attorneys questioned him regarding his use-of-force training and argued that Lee posed an active threat to officers an the public.

Ferguson testified regarding why he fired his weapon during the encounter.

“Because I was in fear for my life and I was in fear for the life of my partner and for community members,” Ferguson said. “Because, based on his actions and the things he said, I thought he was going to shoot me or somebody else.”

During cross-examination, prosecutors argued that Lee never threatened the officer and pressed Ferguson on the direction the weapon was pointed.

State prosecutors also challenged Ferguson’s initial incident report, questioning him about multiple inaccuracies when compared against the video evidence.

“You continue on to say, he continued to walk around me, I told him to stop again, that is also incorrect isn’t it?” the prosecutor asked.

“After watching the video, yes ma’am,” Ferguson replied.

“So that’s a fourth time your report is incorrect?” the prosecutor asked.

“Yes ma’am,” Ferguson said.

The immunity hearing is scheduled to continue Tuesday with additional testimony.