HOUSTON, Texas – As the KPRC 2 Investigates team prepares for the trial of Gerald Goines, the former Houston Police Department Narcotics Officer at the center of the deadly 2019 Harding Street raid that left Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas dead, we are looking into all aspects of the trial.
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The judge overseeing the case is Judge Veronica Nelson who serves on the 482nd Criminal District Court. “As the first African American and female staff attorney for criminal and civil court judges,” Judge Nelson was elected in Harris County in 2022.
“Veronica Nelson is an exceptional jurist, she is hardworking. She is going to make sure to understand the law. She has a strong personality in a good way, she is not a pushover. I think she would be competent and capable of handling Keaton, Tanesha, Nicole Mac Seachrest, I also expect it would be entertaining but fair,” criminal defense attorney Erin Epley said.
Who is the Judge for the Gerald Goines murder trial?
Judge Veronica M. Nelson presides over the 482nd District Court in Harris County, Texas. Before her election, Judge Nelson was a staff attorney for the Harris County Courts, where she helped organize the local rules for the Manage Assigned Counsel program and oversaw the start of specialty programs, including mental health and domestic violence.
Judge Nelson also spent many years working as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. During her time there, she served as senior prosecutor and chief prosecutor.
Judge Nelson received her bachelor’s degree in legal studies and African-American studies at the University of California, Berkeley before going on to get her law degree at the University of Alabama School of Law.
Some of her most notable cases include the David Conley trial, the man who shot and killed eight of his family members.
KPRC 2 presents ‘The Bench’
Hosted by Investigative Reporter Mario Diaz, KPRC 2 is decoding the legal terminology, breaking down the arguments, and taking you inside the case. You’ll hear from our panel of experts and several Houston area criminal defense attorneys during the duration of the trial.
When and how you can watch:
- “The Bench” starts Monday, Sept. 9
- Our special coverage will begin at 8:00 a.m. on KPRC2+
- Download the KPRC2+ App now to be ready to watch on the go