SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Former Savannah Police Department officer Ernest Ferguson was denied bond by a judge Thursday morning.

Ferguson faces felony murder and seven additional charges in the June 2022 shooting death of Saudi Lee. He pleaded not guilty to murder at an arraignment in a Chatham County court back in November of 2024.

Bodycam footage from 2022 shows Ferguson firing four shots at Lee in the back during a chase in Carver Village. Ferguson’s defense says he acted out of fear for his safety and is not a threat.

“The bond request has been under the judge’s advisement since [Jan. 14] and Judge Middleton issued a ruling yesterday,” said the District Attorney’s Office in a statement. “The District Attorney’s Office respects the court’s decision and we cannot comment further as it’s an ongoing case.“

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

Read the full bond order below: