Former Houston officer convicted of murder in deaths of couple during drug raid
A former Houston police officer has been convicted of murder in the 2019 deaths of a couple during a drug raid at their home
HOUSTON (AP) — A former Houston police officer was convicted Wednesday of murder in the deaths of a couple during a 2019 drug raid that revealed systemic corruption problems within the police department’s narcotics unit.
A jury found Gerald Goines guilty of two counts of murder in the January 2019 deaths of Dennis Tuttle, 59, and his 58-year-old wife Rhogena Nicholas. The couple, along with their dog, were fatally shot after officers burst into their home using a “no-knock” warrant that didn’t require them to announce themselves before entering.
Goines faces up to life in prison. The same jury that convicted him after deliberating for less than a full day will also decide his sentence after hearing additional testimony and evidence during the punishment phase set to begin Thursday.
Goines looked down and did not visibly react as the verdict was read. He had been free on bond and was immediately taken into custody.
