SAVANNAH, Ga. – A former officer with the Savannah Police Department, implicated in the fatal shooting of Saudi Lee in June 2022, may soon be released from jail as early as Tuesday while he awaits his trial.

The incident has sparked considerable public interest, with Lee’s family demanding justice and accountability for his death.

Footage captured by a body camera reveals that Ernest Christopher Ferguson shot Lee from behind during a pursuit in the Carver Village area.

During a hearing in August, Ferguson’s defense team presented two witnesses who testified regarding his mental condition and character.

Dr. Tom Black, a counselor specializing in mental health, testified that based on the Personality Assessment Inventory questionnaire, Ferguson is mentally stable. He further suggested that with appropriate support and treatment outside incarceration, Ferguson poses a minimal risk of committing another offense.

The second witness was Chris Louvin, a car shop owner in San Antonio, Tx. and a former employer of Ferguson.

Louvin described Ferguson as a hard worker and leader and told the court he and his wife have volunteered to provide around-the-clock supervision to Ferguson in San Antonio if he were granted bond.

At the Aug. 25 hearing, Assistant District Attorney Lyle Burnham opposed bond, saying “he’s being charged with felony murder.”

Ferguson’s lawyer Boone Phillips told the court, “The journey that Mr. Ferguson has shown us through the witnesses we provided is that he’s taken positive steps in the communities that he lives in.”

Ferguson has been arrested several times since the shooting on charges of shoplifting, DUI and drugs.

He now faces several charges for Lee’s death including three counts of felony murder, two counts of making a false statement, false imprisonment, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

He has pleaded not guilty and said he acted of fear.

Ferguson turned himself in after a grand jury indicted him Sept. 25, 2024.

Ferguson was previously denied bond nine months ago by Chatham County Superior Court Judge Christopher Middleton for being a flight risk and risk to commit a felony pending trial.

Judge Middleton will also weigh Ferguson’s latest bond consideration.

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

will have a crew in the courtroom.