HOUSTON, Texas – The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours before sentencing Gerald Goines, the former Houston Police Department officer, to 60 years in prison.
Goines, who was found guilty of two counts of felony murder for his involvement in the 2019 Harding Street raid that led to the deaths of Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas, and their dog was sentenced Tuesday shortly after noon.
The sentences for Tuttle and Nicholas were 60 years each, but they will run concurrently. He will be eligible for parole in 30 years and will have to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Goines, who was being held in a room for inmates inside the courthouse, did not show much emotion as Judge Veronica Nelson read the sentencing, instead, the disgraced officer clasped his hands together and held his head down.
Before being escorted to the holding room, Goine’s attorney, George Mac Secrest whispered in his ear as deputies grabbed him and escorted him out of the courtroom. Goines will be immediately escorted to the Texas Department of Corrections Tuesday afternoon after hearing an impact statement from Tuttle’s son.
“Maybe one day in the future we can get more answers,” Tuttle’s son, Ryan Tuttle, said to Goines during his impact statement.
Goines’s case has highlighted significant issues within law enforcement, particularly the use of no-knock warrants.
The prosecution, led by Tanisha Manning and Keaton Forcht, argued for a life sentence, emphasizing the consequences of Goines’s actions.
Manning’s closing arguments highlighted what she called the worst case of badge abuse in Harris County history, painting Goines as a corrupt officer who betrayed public trust.
The defense team, which consisted of Nicole Deborde, George Secrest, and three others, took a different approach. They urged the jury to consider Goines’s long career in law enforcement and the good he has done in the community.
They argued that despite his conviction, Goines dedicated decades to combating drug-related crimes and taking bad people off the streets. They also point to his health issues and the reputational damage he has already suffered, suggesting a lesser sentence of five years would be more appropriate for the 61-year-old former officer.