9-1-1 caller connected to botched drug raid sentenced

The first sentence connected to a botched Houston drug raid has been handed down

Dennis Tuttle and his wife Rhogena Nicholas were shot to death in their home on January 28, 2019.

Patricia Garcia has been sentenced to three years and four months for making calls prosecutors say ultimately resulted in the raid.

In court, Garcia apologized for the calls, saying she "never meant for anyone - to die the way they did." Her attorney said Garcia has a long history of mental illness and drug abuse.

But U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. said he didn't believe Garcia was truly remorseful and had been callous in what she had done.

Prosecutors say three weeks before the raid, Garcia made three 9-1-1 calls and told police her daughter was being held captive inside the couple's home and that they were armed drug dealers.

Garcia doesn't have a daughter. Prosecutors do say Garcia had been fighting with the couple and the calls were done out of revenge.

Garcia had a long-running dispute with the couple and the 911 calls were made to get back at them, according to authorities.

Prosecutors did not go so far as to say Garcia's calls were the reason Tuttle and Nicholas were killed, but did say she set things in motion.

Some 12 current and former officers tied to raid have been charged, including two who face murder charges.

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