HOUSTON, Texas – In a dramatic turn following the guilty verdict, Gerald Goines’s attorney, George Secrest, engaged in a heated exchange with a bailiff.
The confrontation erupted as officers attempted to handcuff Goines and escort him from the courtroom while Judge Nelson was still talking.
Secrest voiced concern with the immediate restraint of his client, mouthing something to the bailiff who in return asked Secrest, “Who are you talking to?”
Secrest responded, “I’m talking to you.” And the bailiff was seen walking towards Secrist saying, “I’m doing my job.”
Eventually, Goines was escorted to the back by the officer.
Former Houston Police Department narcotics officer Goines was convicted of felony murder on Wednesday for his role in the 2019 Harding Street raid, which resulted in the deaths of Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas, and their dog.
The jury, after less than 10 hours of deliberations, found Goines guilty of two counts of murder, marking a pivotal moment in a high-profile case that has exposed alleged corruption within the HPD’s narcotics unit.
The sentencing phase for Goines will begin on Thursday, with the same jury set to determine his punishment. He faces up to life in prison.
Who else wasn’t handcuffed?
A.J. Armstrong. You can see him walking out of the courtroom -- no handcuffs -- after being found guilty of killing his parents last year.
David Temple. The Alief coach convicted twice of murdering his pregnant wife was not handcuffed after his 2023 conviction.
Missed a day or two? Get caught up with our daily coverage of the trial:
Day 10: Prosecution and defense rest in Harding Street murder trial
Day 9: Defense begins presenting case in Gerald Goines murder trial
Day 8: Autopsy photos shown in Goines trial for deadly Harding St. raid
Day 7: Jurors hear from Texas Ranger who investigated deadly Harding St. raid
Day 6: HPD detective says no evidence Gerald Goines fired firearm during deadly Harding St. raid
Day 5: Defense questions thoroughness of Harding St. home search after deadly raid
Day 4: Gerald Goines’ former HPD partner, Steven Bryant, drops bombshell during emotional testimony
Day 2 of Gerald Goines murder trial: State drilling down on initial 911 call that got things going
Day 1: Ex-HPD narcotics officer’s lies led to deadly Harding Street raid, prosecutors argue