HOUSTON, Texas – On Monday, the courtroom will become the focal point for one of Houston’s most closely watched legal battles.
Gerald Goines, a former narcotics officer with the Houston Police Department, is set to stand trial for the shooting deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. The case, stemming from a botched raid in January 2019, has raised questions about law enforcement practices.
The events that led to this trial occurred during a raid when Goines and other narcotics officers entered the couple’s home without prior notice, using a no-knock warrant. The raid, intended to target suspected drug activity, ended in the deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas, sparking controversy and scrutiny regarding the legitimacy of the warrant and the conduct of the officers involved.
As the trial approaches, KPRC 2 Investigates Reporter Mario Diaz has been consulting with legal experts to break down the case. These experts, all former prosecutors, provide a range of perspectives on what the trial might reveal and how it could impact the Houston community.
The trial is expected to last between four to six weeks. Here’s what some legal experts predict:
Joe Vinas, Criminal Defense Attorney
“I give you three weeks, three or four days of deliberation. Guilty -- that is what I think.”
Angela Weltin, Criminal Defense Attorney
“I predict that this case will take about two weeks to try, and I suspect he will be found guilty of murder.”
Casey Gonzalez, Criminal Defense Attorney
“I think it is going to be a very long trial. Both sides are going to be really duking it out throughout the trial. I think the jury is going to hang. I don’t think they’re going to be able to come to a decision, and I think this case is going to be tried again.”
Erin Epley, Criminal Defense Attorney
“I cannot answer the way you are asking. I respect that you are, but I do not know enough about what the defense is regarding whether or not he had information suggesting this was false. It all comes down to whether or not Nicole Deborde can establish he knew it to be false or not
3 things to look forward to during the trial
- Who will support Goines?
- Who is going to be in the courtroom -- watching and testifying?
- Will we find out if friendly fire is the culprit of the deadly raid?
What is crossfire versus friendly fire?
KPRC 2 Investigative reporter Mario Diaz and the KPRC 2 team will be live at the courthouse every day of the trial, bringing you the latest details and answering all of your questions starting Monday, Sept. 9.