Ex-Memphis Officer Pleads Guilty Kidnapping, Murder 2021

Patric Ferguson, a former Memphis police officer, pleaded guilty to federal charges including civil rights violations, kidnapping, and weapon offenses related to the 2021 on-duty kidnapping and murder of Robert Howard. Ferguson admitted to abducting Howard at gunpoint, shooting him in the head in the back of his patrol car, and disposing of his body in the Wolf River with the help of his friend Joshua Rogers, who also pleaded guilty to destroying evidence. Prosecutors revealed Ferguson's attempts to cover up the crime, including selling the SUV used to transport the body and making internet searches on how to clean up crime scenes. As part of a plea agreement, Ferguson faces up to 38 years in prison and has waived his right to appeal, though his state court trial for first-degree murder and related charges is still pending. Defense attorney C. Anne Tipton noted Ferguson's remorse throughout the legal process. The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of an on-duty officer in such a heinous crime and the subsequent federal and state legal actions.