Closing arguments set for sentencing phase in ex-HPD officer Gerald Goines murder trial
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Closing arguments in the sentencing phase of convicted murderer and former Houston Police Officer Gerald Goines are set for Thursday morning.
On Wednesday, both sides rested after a number of witnesses were called. Testimony from family members of those killed is always emotional, and this trial was no exception.
The first person on the stand Wednesday was Otis Mallet, one of the many people Goines sent to prison for lying about a drug charge. Mallet began his testimony against Goines last week, and continued on Wednesday. During cross examination, defense attorneys tried to paint Mallet as a criminal, not a man wronged by Goines, as courts have determined.
Mallet was ambivalent about how much time Goines should get.
"It's not a concern of mine," he said as he waited for the elevator. "It's up to the judicial system."
Witnesses that followed Mallet were much more emotional. Dennis Tuttle's son, Ryan Tuttle, spoke about his dad's love for his family. He also talked about Dennis' personal pride kept him from sharing his pain and mental anguish away from the rest of the family. Ryan Tuttle testified that Rhogena Nicholas and the family dog brought his dad joy.
Nicholas's sister-in-law, Patricia Nicholas, also took the stand. Her husband, John Nicholas, was the last surviving sibling after Rhogena was killed. John died several years ago because of health problems. His widow Patricia testified that she was on the stand to finish seeking justice, because her husband died while waiting for Goines to go to trial.
"I've always thought the human side of the lives of Mrs. Nicholas and Mr. Tuttle was very compelling," Murray Newman, a criminal defense attorney who observed Wednesday's court proceedings, said. "Obviously, the state did too. They ended on that for an emotional impact on the jury."
The defense called several pastors and family members to testify on behalf of Goines, repeating stories of Goines helping their children with football and being a good friend. Perhaps the most intriguing pair of witnesses were former Houston first lady 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.
Witness testimony wrapped up around 4 p.m. Closing arguments for the punishment phase will start at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Following that, the jurors will deliberate. Goines faces five years to life behind bars.
The now convicted ex-cop also turned 61 years old Wednesday.
