In January 2021, the life of 30-year-old Robert Howard of Memphis, TN, was tragically cut short in a harrowing series of events orchestrated by a man who had sworn to protect and serve his community. On January 6, 2021, Howard was reported missing by his girlfriend, setting off an investigation that would soon uncover a shocking abuse of power and a deadly love triangle.
Investigators quickly identified an on-duty Memphis police officer, Patric Ferguson, 29, as a person of interest in Howard's disappearance. The motive, as it would later be revealed, was jealousy; Howard was dating Ferguson's ex-girlfriend.
The investigation revealed that Ferguson had used his position as a police officer to abduct Howard. While on duty, Ferguson drove his squad car to Howard's residence on Mark Twain Street and forced him into the back of the vehicle at gunpoint. He then drove to a separate location where he shot and killed Howard inside the patrol car with his personal handgun. In an attempt to conceal his horrific crime, Ferguson enlisted the help of an acquaintance, 28-year-old Joshua Rogers. Together, they purchased chains, padlocks, and cinder blocks to weigh down Howard's body, which they then dumped into the Wolf River. His body was recovered by investigators on January 10.
The swift actions of the Memphis Police Department led to the prompt arrest of both men. Ferguson was fired from the police force and faced a litany of charges, including 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 was charged with being an accessory after the fact, abuse of a corpse, and fabricating and tampering with evidence. In a subsequent federal indictment, Ferguson also faced charges of civil rights violations, kidnapping, and weapons offenses.
In August 2025, Patric Ferguson pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the kidnapping and murder of Robert Howard. He was later sentenced to 38 years in prison for his crimes. Joshua Rogers also faced legal consequences for his role in the cover-up. The case sent shockwaves through the Memphis community, highlighting a devastating betrayal of public trust and leaving the family and loved ones of Robert Howard to grapple with the senseless loss of a man described as a peaceful and loving father.
