Indexbit-Jury selection begins in murder trial of former Houston police officer

2025-05-03 14:03:12source:Esthencategory:Markets

HOUSTON (AP) — Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a former Houston police officer accused of murder for his role in a 2019 drug raid that led to the death of a couple and Indexbitrevealed systemic corruption within the police department’s narcotics unit.

Gerald Goines pleaded not guilty to two felony murder counts for the January 2019 deaths of a married couple, Dennis Tuttle, 59, and Rhogena Nicholas, 58.

Prosecutors allege that Goines lied to obtain a search warrant by making up a confidential informant and wrongly portraying the couple as dangerous heroin dealers. That led to a deadly encounter in which officers shot and killed Tuttle, Nicholas and their dog, and found only small amounts of marijuana and cocaine in the house. Five officers, including Goines, were injured in the raid.

Jury selection is expected to last several weeks as prosecutors and defense attorneys plan to individually interview potential jurors.

Hearings in the case are then expected later this month, followed by opening statements on Sept. 9, according to the Harris County district attorney’s office.

On Monday, prosecutors and defense attorneys began asking jurors if they could remain impartial, with some saying they knew about the case from news reports and were not sure if they could be fair, the Houston Chronicle reported.

RELATED COVERAGE Funeral held in Houston for 12-year-old girl whose body was found in a creekJudge sets $10M bond for second Venezuelan man accused of killing a 12-year-old Houston girlA big boost for a climate solution: electricity made from the heat of the Earth

In March, a judge dismissed the murder charges against Goines. But he was indicted again a week later.

A dozen officers tied to the narcotics squad that carried out the raid, including Goines, were later indicted on various other charges following a corruption probe. A judge last month dismissed charges against some of the officers.

Since the raid, prosecutors have reviewed thousands of cases handled by the narcotics unit.

Goines is also facing federal charges in connection with the case.

More:Markets

Recommend

'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges

"Vanderpump Rules" star James Kennedy has been arrested for domestic violence.In a statement to USA

The Weeknd’s HBO Show The Idol Has a Premiere Date and a Flashy New Trailer

It's almost time to meet Jocelyn. HBO shared a new glimpse at its new series The Idol, starring Lily

How King Charles III's Coronation Program Incorporated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

King Charles III's coronation program wouldn't be complete without one special couple.After the souv