Ex-HPD Officer Sentenced to 60 Years for Role in Fatal Raid

HOUSTON, Texas — Former Houston Police Department officer Gerald Goines has been sentenced to 60 years in prison following his conviction on two counts of felony murder. The charges stem from a 2019 raid that led to the deaths of Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas, and their dog, after Goines falsified a no-knock warrant. His sentencing was delivered on Tuesday by a jury.

During the trial, Goines expressed a desire to commit ‘suicide-by-cop’ according to sources from ABC13. On the day when the sentencing phase was set to commence, he was observed being taken away in an ambulance amidst a medical emergency. Reports indicate he considered taking a deputy’s gun to provoke a lethal response, but ultimately, no such action occurred.

“He was a bad person. He negatively impacted thousands of people’s lives, including his own family’s, including mine,” stated Ryan Tuttle, son of the murdered Dennis Tuttle, expressing relief at the sentencing outcome. The trial’s gag order has been lifted, enabling families of the victims to vocalize their emotions freely.

The narrative surrounding the Harding Street raid initially painted Tuttle and Nicholas as gun-wielding drug dealers, a claim vehemently refuted by Ryan Tuttle, who demanded a public apology for the misrepresentation. Houston Police Chief at the time, Art Acevedo, declined to provide a comment despite requests.

Goines’ attorney, Nicole DeBorde, did not comment on her client’s ambulance incident, although she mentioned that Goines is looking ahead to an appeal. Following his conviction, Goines was detained in special housing in Harris County jail, designated for police officers or those accused of killing officers, until his transfer to a state prison. He becomes eligible for parole after serving 30 years.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg remarked on the historic nature of the case, noting, “No officer has ever been convicted of murder in Harris County until now.” She emphasized that the case highlights a significant victory against police corruption. Ogg, during her statements, commended the ongoing efforts of good officers and prosecutors while alerting to potential further charges for others involved with the narcotics division during the raid.

Ryan Tuttle acknowledged the protracted legal proceedings, “It’s been five and a half years of waiting with a heavy burden,” but expressed satisfaction at his family’s exoneration from the fabricated drug allegations.