Turbulent Times at Turkey Leg Hut: A Closer Look at Nakia Holmes’ Legal Troubles
In a dramatic sequence of events, Nakia Holmes, the once-celebrated owner of the popular Houston restaurant Turkey Leg Hut, has found herself embroiled in a serious legal controversy. Following the closure of her establishment amid scandal, Holmes is now facing criminal charges that have little to do with her culinary enterprise.
The Arrest
Holmes was arrested by Harris County police on a Wednesday afternoon, charged with hindering the arrest of an aggravated kidnapping suspect, Johnathan Saizon. The shocking development unfolded when Saizon was apprehended while allegedly trying to flee police from Holmes’ residence. According to court documents, the police had been alerted to a disturbing incident involving Saizon and his ex-girlfriend, who was hospitalized after being brutally assaulted.
The Heart-Wrenching Incident
The distressing background of the case involves a report from the victim’s son, who informed law enforcement that his mother had been severely beaten by her stepfather. Saizon, who had gone to her home purportedly to collect some belongings, held her captive for six hours, during which time he assaulted her with a tire iron before forcing her into his vehicle. He later took the victim to a hospital after she promised not to inform the authorities about the assault.
Upon her arrival at the hospital, the victim bore visible injuries: lacerations on her face, staples in her head, and stitches on her toes from biting. The brutality of the attack paints a grim picture of the events leading up to Saizon’s arrest.
Holmes’ Alleged Involvement
Authorities suspect that Holmes was harboring Saizon at her home during the incident. When stopped by police while driving away from her residence, she initially denied any knowledge of Saizon. However, deputies soon became aware that he had been spotted attempting to escape the scene by scaling her back fence. Subsequently, both Holmes and Saizon were taken into custody.
Holmes’ attorney expressed confidence in her defense, asserting that she would be found “innocent of all charges” and “exonerated” as the case unfolds.
Turkey Leg Hut’s Downfall
This is not the first troubling chapter for Holmes. Turkey Leg Hut, which garnered a loyal following over its nine years of operation, closed indefinitely in November 2024 when its landlord terminated its lease. The closure came on the heels of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Holmes in March of the same year.
Health code violations further compounded the issues for Turkey Leg Hut. Reports indicated that the restaurant faced 35 violations, ranging from improper food storage to insufficient cleaning practices. These serious infractions ultimately led to its imminent closure, alongside a hefty lawsuit for outstanding debts totaling over $1.2 million.
Family Troubles and Legal Woes
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Holmes’ ex-husband and business partner, Lyndell Price, has his own legal predicaments. Earlier this year, he was implicated in a federal arson case linked to another restaurant, accused of orchestrating a fire at Bar 5015. Charges against him include conspiracy to commit arson of a commercial building and conspiracy to use an interstate facility in the commission of arson related to a vehicle.
This pattern of troubling activities extended even to the Turkey Leg Hut’s operations, with investigators recently examining a fire at the restaurant’s office premises in April 2024, also for potential arson.
Community Impact
The unfolding events surrounding Nakia Holmes and the Turkey Leg Hut are not just sensational headlines; they resonate deeply within the Houston community. The restaurant was a culinary staple, known for its oversized turkey legs and vibrant atmosphere, making its recent decline all the more poignant.
As the story continues to develop, many in the community are left wondering about the future of Turkey Leg Hut and the broader implications of this tumultuous chapter in its history.