The trial of former Houston police officer Gerald Goines is set to commence today. Goines faces felony murder charges in connection with the 2019 Harding Street raid that resulted in the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas, two Pecan Park homeowners. Furthermore, Goines has been charged with additional offenses, including tampering with a government record and engaging in organized criminal activity, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

The charges stem from Goines' alleged fabrication of a confidential informant to obtain a no-knock warrant, which led to the ill-fated raid where the police found no heroin as initially claimed. Jury selection, a process complicated by the case's notoriety, has been completed, setting the stage for opening statements. Legal analysts contend that since a felony was ostensibly committed during the raid, Goines is to be held accountable for the consequences, as KHOU has described.

The controversy surrounding the raid has led to the indictment of a dozen officers linked to the narcotics squad, with some charges being dismissed by a judge in June. This case has also prompted a review of thousands of cases previously handled by Goines and his unit. Notably, Goines was also involved in the 2004 arrest of George Floyd, whose death in 2020 sparked a national outcry and discussions on systemic racism in law enforcement.

In light of the scandal and subsequent investigations, Goines also faces federal charges related to the raid. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has since overturned at least 22 convictions linked to Goines. Despite requests, a Texas board declined to posthumously pardon George Floyd for a drug conviction from the 2004 arrest made by Goines. The complexities of this case are poised to unfold as testimonies from Houston police officers who recall the raid are expected, pitting Goines against his former colleagues, according to the Houston Chronicle.