MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TCD) — A federal grand jury returned an indictment against a former cop accused of kidnapping and killing a man, then throwing his body in a river while he was on duty.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee announced Wednesday, May 8, that Patric Ferguson was charged with federal civil rights, kidnapping, and other weapons-related offenses in connection with the abduction and killing of “R.H.” Although the U.S. Attorney’s Office referred to the victim as “R.H.,” the Memphis Police Department previously identified him as Robert Howard.
Officials also charged Ferguson’s alleged co-conspirator, Joshua Rogers, with accessory after the fact for “helping Ferguson cover up his crimes.”
According to the statement, on Jan. 5, 2021, Ferguson, an officer with the Memphis Police Department at the time, allegedly kidnapped Howard and fatally shot him in the head. He and Rogers reportedly drove Howard’s body in Rogers’ car and threw his remains in the Wolf River. Rogers sold his car to a scrap metal dealership soon after.
Ferguson and Rogers facing charges in Memphis as well.
Howard’s girlfriend reported him missing to the Memphis Police Department on Jan. 6, 2021, and said he was last seen the day prior at around 5 p.m. Investigators were able to connect Howard’s disappearance to Ferguson, saying the two men knew each other.
Memphis Police allege Ferguson brought his own gun with him to Howard’s home and forced him in the squad car at gunpoint. Howard’s body was recovered several days later.
Officers from the Memphis Police Department arrested Ferguson on Jan. 9, 2021, on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree murder in perpetration of aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated kidnapping, abuse of a corpse, and fabricating and tampering with evidence. Rogers, a civilian, was booked for tampering with evidence, accessory after the fact, and abuse of a corpse.
Police said Ferguson was “immediately relieved of duty” following the arrest.
Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings said at the time, “No one is above the law. Knowing that a Memphis Police officer, someone who took an oath to protect and serve, made the decision to commit this horrific crime is devastating. His actions were not that of a law enforcement officer and should not reflect on fellow officers.”
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It’s absolutely horrifying to hear about such a heinous crime committed by someone who was supposed to protect and serve the community. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and psychological evaluations for law enforcement officers.