HOUSTON, Texas — Closing arguments are expected Tuesday in the murder trial of former Houston police narcotics officer Gerald Goines.
Goines is charged with murder in the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas.
The married couple in the late 50s, along with their dog, were killed in early 2019 after officers burst into their home using a “no-knock” warrant Goines secured.
On Monday, the trial’s third week began. On Monday, finalizing jury charge language with the jury not present took up the entire day.
Charges the jury will receive include felony murder for each death and tampering with a government record.
“You better believe the jury will struggle with different areas of the law in reaching a determination in this case – I think we can all anticipate a couple of days deliberation for them,” said KHOU 11 legal analyst, Carmen Roe.
RELATED: Second week of murder trial for former HPD narcotics officer Gerald Goines’ begins
Last week, dramatic body camera video from the infamous Harding Street raid was shown in court.
That body camera video, complete with dozens of gunshots, shouts, groaning and other sounds, was just one of the exhibits shown.
Prosecutors contend that the warrant was based on lies by Goines portraying the couple as dangerous drug dealers.
Former HPD officer Gerald Goines arriving to court as the third week of his murder trial begins. He’s accused of lying to secure a no-knock warrant that led to the shooting deaths of a couple and their dog in early 2019. @KHOU for latest https://t.co/O8UQtW6ogY#khou11pic.twitter.com/DsaZ3a90rT
— Jason Miles (@JMilesKHOU) September 23, 2024
However, the defense pointed out last week that other drug evidence was found inside the home along with several weapons, some of which were shown to the jury.
But a detective who investigated the shooting testified that there was no evidence of a “drug operation” inside the home.
The detective also testified that there was no evidence of unlawful use of force when the raid went down.
That’s something the defense drilled down on.
But prosecutors argued the Tuttles were simply defending themselves against whoever was bursting into their home.
A community organization called “We The People Orgnize” sprouted from this incident and representatives are among those attending the trial day after day.
“And so, we decided we would make sure the people would get justice,” said Jeff Reese with “We the People Organize.” So, we’re here representing the families. They can’t be here but we can. So here we are and hopefully something good will come out of the trial.”
In the first week of the trial, one of Goines’ attorneys admitted her client lied to get the search warrant, But she said his actions do not merit a murder conviction.