HOUSTON, Texas – As the Harding Street murder trial draws to a close, both the prosecution and defense are preparing for their final arguments on Tuesday.
This pivotal moment follows intense courtroom proceedings and the finalization of jury charge language by Judge Veronica Nelson on Monday.
The trial, centering on former Houston Police Department narcotics officer Gerald Goines, has captured widespread attention. Goines faces charges of murder and tampering with a government record, stemming from the 2019 raid that resulted in the deaths of Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas, and their dog.
Prosecutors Tanisha Manning and Keaton Forcht have argued that Goines’s fabrication of information to secure a no-knock warrant directly led to the fatal raid. They presented evidence, including phone records and testimony, to demonstrate that neither Goines nor a confidential informant purchased drugs from the Harding Street home prior to the raid.
In contrast, the defense highlighted evidence suggesting Tuttle and Nicholas were drug users and argued that Nicholas attempted to grab an officer’s weapon during the raid. They also pointed to testimony indicating Tuttle fired at the officers first.
After closing arguments, the jury will now deliberate on charges of murder and tampering with a government record.
If found guilty, Goines could spend a significant time in prison.