Former HPD officer Goines taken away on a stretcher after medical issue interrupts penalty phase

Gerald Goines, convicted last week in the botched 2019 Harding Street raid, appeared to have a medical issue Thursday.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Convicted murderer and former Houston Police Department narcotics officer Gerald Goines appeared to have a medical issue during his sentencing phase Thursday.

Goines was taken away on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance after a disturbance was reported in the courtroom.

No information has yet been released on the incident.

Goines was convicted last week for the murders of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas during the botched Harding Street drug raid in 2019.

Dennis and his wife, Rhogena, were killed in a shootout with police.

Goines did not take part in the raid, but he did lie on an affidavit to justify the search warrant, claiming the couple was dealing heroin.

Jurors have heard from members of the victim’s family, as well as Goines’ supporters, including former first lady of Houston Elyse Lanier and her daughter, Courtney Lanier Sarofim.

Goines took care of Mayor Bob Lanier for years, helping with his basic needs over the last few decades. Both women testified they consider him part of their extended family.

Wednesday’s intense testimony from family members included Dennis Tuttle’s son, Ryan Tuttle, who spoke about his dad’s love for his family.

Rhogena Nicholas’s sister-in-law, Patricia Nicholas, also took the stand. Her husband, John Nicholas, was the last surviving sibling after Rhogena was killed.

READ MORE: Murder trial jury hears from those wrongly put away by former HPD officer during punishment phase

Goines faces up to life behind bars.

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