2 years after deadly Harding Street raid, family still fights for answers
HOUSTON โ The families of Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle said Thursday they are still fighting for answers as to exactly what happened during the botched Harding Street police raid two years ago. Nicholas, Tuttle and their dog were killed Jan. 28, 2019, when police stormed their home. Former Officer Gerald Goines is accused of using bogus information to get the warrant that led to the raid. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also defended HPD, saying the actions of a few should not taint the many. Many civil rights and police reform activists said what happened on Harding Street further highlights the need for outside oversight.
Community leaders, victimโs family call to disband HPDโs Independent Police Oversight Board after shooting death of Nicholas Chavez
Nicholas Chavez, 27, was shot and killed on April 21. A cellphone video recorded by a witness appeared to show Chavez on his knees when he was shot by officers. โThis case went before the independent review board somehow it slipped through their hands,โ said Leantha Chavez, Nicholas Chavezโs mother. โIt should be the Houston community and the voters to decide what is best for the Houston community,โ said Johnny Mata of Greater Houston LULAC. The Houston Police Officerโs Union contract with the city also has provisions in it, which can be modified during negotiations next year with the city.
HPD urged to release body cam video from 6 deadly officer-involved shooting while families are divided
HOUSTON A woman questioned Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo on why he has not released video from officers body cameras. Acevedo previously said some videos have not been released because relatives of the deceased asked that they be kept private. While other relatives called for the HPD to release the videos to the public. Key among them: why was her husband, Nicholas Chavez, 27, shot and killed last month by Houston Police Officers? The Houston Police Department has not released video from officers body cameras from the night of the shooting.