Former Houston cop charged with murder over raid

HOUSTON (AP) — A former Houston police officer has been charged with felony murder in connection with a deadly January drug raid that killed a couple and injured several officers, prosecutors announced today.

The Jan. 28 raid came under scrutiny after police alleged one of the officers who was shot, Gerald Goines, lied in order to obtain a search warrant. Killed in the shooting were 58-year-old Rhogena Nicholas and 59-year-old Dennis Tuttle.

Family and friends of Tuttle and Nicholas have continuously dismissed allegations the couple sold drugs. Police found small amounts of marijuana and cocaine in the home but no heroin.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office announced the charges against Goines at a news conference. Another officer was charged with tampering with a government record.

Both were expected to surrender later this afternoon, District Attorney Kim Ogg said.

Initially, Houston police maintained that after officers entered the home, Rhogena Nicholas tried to take away a shotgun from an officer and was fatally shot by officers who saw what was happening. But an independent review by the family of Rhogena Nicholas earlier this year cast doubt on that portrayal.

Goines' attorney previously said he has done nothing wrong.