*Nakia Holmes, co-founder of Houston’s iconic Turkey Leg Hut, was arrested on October 8, in Harris County, charged with hindering apprehension, a felony.
According to The Houston Chronicle, court documents reveal Holmes allegedly interfered with the arrest of Jonathan Saizon, who faces accusations of kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend with a tire iron. Saizon’s charges include aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony, and aggravated assault of a family member, a second-degree felony. The victim’s son told authorities that Saizon held her against her will for six hours and assaulted her throughout the harrowing ordeal.
Once a celebrated name in Houston’s culinary scene, Turkey Leg Hut began as a modest pop-up in 2015 near the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Founded by Holmes and her then-husband Lyndell Price, it grew into a Third Ward staple, drawing crowds with its massive turkey legs and celebrity guests. Yet, the restaurant faced persistent challenges, including lawsuits, health code violations, and public disputes over its dress code policies. By November 2024, the business had shuttered following a fire, a failed health inspection, and bankruptcy.
Holmes’ personal and professional life unraveled after her 2023 divorce from Price, which she described as escaping an abusive relationship. Price faced his own legal battles, with authorities alleging he sold marijuana through the restaurant, further damaging its reputation.
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A new documentary, “The Rise and Fall of The Turkey Leg Hut,” aims to chronicle the restaurant’s dramatic journey. Houston-based producer Jami McCoy-Lankford, whose work has appeared on BET, Lifetime, and AMC, is leading the project. “If I don’t do it, somebody else will,” McCoy-Lankford said. “We have the opportunity to set the record straight here. This is what happened, no matter who’s at fault.”
The documentary has stirred controversy, with Holmes publicly distancing herself from the production. “I have not signed any agreements, nor have I given permission for my name or story to be used,” Holmes stated. “My story is mine to tell… I just want peace, healing, and to be left out of anything that I did not authorize.” McCoy-Lankford, however, claims Holmes initially agreed to participate, citing text messages as proof.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Turkey Leg Hut Documentary Explores Restaurant’s Scandal-Filled Collapse
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