HOUSTON, Texas – The jury in the high-profile murder trial of former Houston Police Department narcotics officer Gerald Goines reached a verdict of guilty Wednesday afternoon.
Goines was found guilty of two counts of murder in the 2019 Harding Street raid that resulted in the deaths of Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas, and their dog.
The ex-officer’s sentencing phase will begin Thursday at 10 a.m. He faces up to life in prison. The same jury will also decide his sentence after hearing from witnesses during the punishment phase.
The case, which has captured significant public attention, hinges on whether Goines’s alleged fabrication of information to secure a no-knock warrant led to the fatal 2019 raid on Harding Street.
Key Points of Gerald Goines’s Trial:
- Deliberations Timeline: Jury deliberations began at 2:07 p.m. on Tuesday and concluded at 5:30 p.m. without a decision. Deliberations resumed Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
- Charges: Goines faces charges of felony murder and tampering with a government record in connection with the deaths of Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas, and their dog.
- Prosecution’s Argument: Prosecutors Tanisha Manning and Keaton Forcht argued that Goines’s falsified warrant directly resulted in the deadly raid. They presented evidence including phone records and testimony.
- Defense’s Argument: The defense, led by attorneys Nicole Deborde and George Secrest, contended that the raid was justified by the actions of Tuttle and Nicholas, who they claimed fired at officers first.
Missed a day or two? Get caught up with our daily coverage of the trial:
Day 10: Prosecution and defense rest in Harding Street murder trial
Day 9: Defense begins presenting case in Gerald Goines murder trial
Day 8: Autopsy photos shown in Goines trial for deadly Harding St. raid
Day 7: Jurors hear from Texas Ranger who investigated deadly Harding St. raid
Day 6: HPD detective says no evidence Gerald Goines fired firearm during deadly Harding St. raid
Day 5: Defense questions thoroughness of Harding St. home search after deadly raid
Day 4: Gerald Goines’ former HPD partner, Steven Bryant, drops bombshell during emotional testimony
Day 2 of Gerald Goines murder trial: State drilling down on initial 911 call that got things going
Day 1: Ex-HPD narcotics officer’s lies led to deadly Harding Street raid, prosecutors argue