Family of Saudi Lee, killed by SPD officer, files lawsuit

SAVANNAH, Georgia (WSAV) – The family of Saudi Lee, who was shot and killed by a former Savannah Police Department (SPD) officer, has filed a lawsuit against the city and the officers involved.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed Friday seeks damages for Lee’s “senseless and unjustified shooting death.”

Lee, 31, was shot by Officer Ernest Ferguson during a chase in the Carver Village neighborhood in June 2022.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), SPD officers stopped Lee as he was walking on the street.

The GBI said Lee “immediately showed his wallet,” which he said contained his gun permit. Then, officials said, he lifted his shirt and pulled a gun from its holster.

A short chase ensued and Lee was shot. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

According to the lawsuit, Ferguson has a history of violence. While working as a correctional officer at Coastal State Prison, he was allegedly involved in nine incidents of violence.

The lawsuit states that Ferguson left prison in 2021 after his supervisor reprimanded him five times. He then joined the SPD.

According to the lawsuit, Ferguson received reprimands for violating service policies and a use of violence complaint was filed during his service.

After Lee’s shooting, the officer was placed on leave and later fired for “an incident unrelated to the investigation of the officer-involved shooting,” the SPD said.

After his release, Ferguson was arrested for drunk driving, shoplifting, drug offenses and robbery.

The officer will not face charges in connection with Lee’s death. The GBI referred the case to Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones, who did not announce any charges.

News 3 received the following statement from Murell Law Firm on behalf of Lee’s family:

For two years, Saudi Lee’s family and community have waited for justice. Ernest Ferguson had a long history of misconduct, use of violence, and disciplinary problems during his time as a police officer, yet he was allowed to patrol the streets and people of Savannah. We call on the District Attorney to charge Ferguson with the wrongful death of Mr. Lee and release the body camera video to the family and the public.