A former Houston Police Department narcotics officer was sentenced Tuesday to 60 years in prison for killing two people in a no-knock drug raid in 2019, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
“This is historic because we believe this is the first-ever murder conviction of a Houston-area law enforcement officer committed while in uniform,” Ogg said. “We hope other victims who have been hurt or wrongfully accused or even convicted see the courage of these families and also come forward.”
Gerald Goines, 60, was convicted of felony murder after a two-week trial in September for his role in the murder of Dennis Tuttle and his wife, Rhogena Nicholas, who were fatally shot in their southeast Houston home on Harding Street on Jan. 28, 2019.
Jurors deliberated about 10 hours after Monday’s closing arguments in the punishment phase before handing down their verdict.
Goines’s conviction stemmed from lying to a judge to get a “no-knock” warrant for Tuttle’s home by saying Tuttle, 59, and Nicholas, 58, were heroin dealers, which they weren’t.
The couple were at home in the middle of the afternoon when Goines and his squad of narcotics officers burst into their house, starting a gunfight that left Tuttle, Nicholas and their dog dead and several officers wounded.
“Gerald Goines has been a stain on the reputation of every honest cop in our community,” Ogg said. “He was responsible for the deaths of these two people and for the false convictions of many others — and we believe there are more victims still out there.”
Assistant District Attorneys Tanisha Manning and Keaton Forcht, who are both assigned to the Major Offenders Division, prosecuted the case.
After the sentencing, Manning said that Goines targeted people in poor parts of Houston because he knew they would not be able to fight the police in court.
“You didn’t see this happening in River Oaks or West University,” Manning said. “Goines preyed on predominantly poor communities who may or may not have the resources to fight back — but the people in those neighborhoods deserve the same protections that everyone else has.”
Manning and Forcht noted that investigators and prosecutors searched continually for the motive behind what Goines did — why he chose them and set in motion the series of events that led to their deaths.
“We don’t have to prove a motive — we only have to prove who is responsible — but we did still try to find the motive for what happened,” Forcht said. “The only person who really knows the motive has a Fifth Amendment right to not let us know what it is, and we respect his constitutional rights.”
Goines, who turned 60 last week, will have to serve at least 30 years in prison before he will be eligible for parole.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
