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