Jurors will return for a second day of deliberations in the felony murder trial of former Houston police narcotics officer Gerald Goines.
On Tuesday, after lengthy closing arguments, the jury had only two hours to begin their deliberations.
Goines remained expressionless as his fate hung in the balance. His defense attorney, Mac Secrest, argued that public pressure led the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to charge Goines with felony murder.
“This case is overcharged. It should never have been felony murder,” Secrest said, pointing at the prosecutors. “Politics and media pressure ramped it up.”
Prosecutors, however, shifted the jury’s focus to the victims, Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle, displaying photos and crime scene images. They argued that had Goines not lied to secure a no-knock warrant, the couple would still be alive.
“Everything that happened in that house was a direct result of that warrant,” prosecutor Keaton Forcht said. “But for Gerald Goines, those two people would be alive.”
The defense admitted Goines lied to obtain the warrant but emphasized what transpired after the officers entered the home, claiming that Tuttle fired first at police.
“You can stop this madness today,” defense attorney Nicole DeBorde told jurors. “Find Goines not guilty of murder because he’s not the cause.”
Prosecutors had the final say, insisting Goines was fully responsible for the deaths.
“Goines is responsible for every bullet fired in that house,” said prosecutor Tanisha Manning, pointing at Goines.
Earlier, the courtroom was packed as people gathered to witness the end of the trial, which has been nearly six years in the making. Family members of the victims, police officers, and Houston’s former first lady, Elyse Lanier, a supporter of Goines, were present. District Attorney Kim Ogg and her team also attended, while attorneys finalized complex instructions for the jury.
The trial stems from a January 28, 2019, raid led by Goines. A Houston police narcotics unit stormed the Tuttle home with a no-knock warrant. The raid ended in gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the couple, their dog, and injuries to four officers, including Goines. Initially, police painted the couple as dangerous drug dealers, but it soon emerged that Goines had lied to obtain the warrant. The couple was later described as long-time homeowners with medical conditions and no criminal records.
Over the next five years, Goines was charged with felony murder, along with other officers facing related charges. The trial finally began on September 9, 2024. Both sides agreed on the basic facts: Goines lied, and Tuttle and Nicholas were killed. Prosecutors argued the couple would still be alive if Goines had conducted a proper investigation. The defense contended the couple had some involvement with drugs and that Tuttle fired at police, leading to the tragic outcome.
Deliberations began Tuesday afternoon but were paused until Wednesday morning.
