HOUSTON – Houston’s new administration, led by Mayor John Whitmire, is adding $1.7 million to defend the city and former Police Chief Art Acevedo in the legal battle with the families of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas.
The funds were approved on Wednesday by Mayor Whitmire and Houston City Council, marking a significant step in continuing the fight over the controversial HPD raid that resulted in the tragic deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas.
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The deadly raid took place on January 28, 2019. KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered the raid was based on a bogus warrant manufactured by narcotics officer Gerald Goines.
Homeowners Tuttle and Nicholas were killed after HPD officers entered the home using a no-knock warrant. Four officers were shot in the botched raid with another injuring his knee.
Since the deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas, there have been criminal and civil cases filed involving Goines and the City of Houston. On Wednesday, Mayor Whitmire and the city council voted to provide an additional 1.7 million dollars to Beck Redden, a law firm the city has retained, to help defend the City of Houston and former HPD Chief Art Acevedo. As a result of the vote, Houstonians are now on the hook for 2.9 million dollars in legal fees because of a bogus warrant.
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After the vote Whitmire told KPRC 2 Investigates, “I don’t think Houston is fighting them, they’re in discussion,” said Whitmire.
When reminded that he ran on law and order and it was clearly presented by HPD Investigators that Goines lied to obtain the warrant, KPRC 2 Investigates asked the mayor why continue to fight the families? “First it was being fought when I arrived about a month ago and I’m not in a position to override attorneys without knowing all the facts and I respect the process,” said Whitmire.
Sunday will be the five year anniversary of the deadly raid.