On December 14, during an NFL game at NRG Stadium, an incident occurred that has since led to the arrest of 21-year-old Ushay Marquise Nixon. According to police and court documents, Nixon, an employee of Aramark working as a restroom attendant, allegedly directed an 8-year-old boy into a bathroom stall with the intention of committing an indecent act. The child quickly realized the danger, escaped, and informed his parents of the encounter.
The events unfolded at a Houston Texans game, which was meant to be a memorable experience for the young boy attending his first professional football match. Instead, it turned into a deeply troubling ordeal. A witness nearby noticed the interaction between Nixon and the boy and immediately expressed his concern to the child's parents. The boy's mother recalled the witness's anxiety, noting the palpable sense of worry in his voice.
Upon learning of the situation, the boy's father confronted Nixon, who tried to evade discovery by hiding in a supply closet. Law enforcement was promptly called to the scene and Nixon was detained. Prosecutors have pointed out that Nixon had previous accusations of a similar nature, which were not pursued legally due to the families' decisions not to press charges.
The family, deeply affected by the incident, has filed a lawsuit against Nixon, his employer Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services of Texas, LLC, and ASM Global, which manages NRG Park. They allege negligent hiring and supervision, emphasizing Nixon's prior charges. The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for the family's emotional anguish and related costs.
Anna Greenberg, the attorney representing the family, described the incident as "every parent's worst nightmare." The boy's parents have also expressed their desire to personally thank the Good Samaritan who alerted them to the situation. Aramark has confirmed that Nixon is no longer employed by the company and is cooperating with the investigation. NRG Park has stated its dedication to guest safety but has declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
The young boy is still experiencing emotional trauma from the incident, including night terrors that disrupt his daily life, as reported by Fox 26 Houston. The Houston Police Department has released images related to the event and is seeking additional witnesses, particularly the Good Samaritan, to aid in the pursuit of justice.
This case has raised concerns about hiring practices and the necessity for rigorous background checks and monitoring, especially when employees have access to children in public spaces. As the police continue their investigation, the community is urged to come forward with any information that could assist in ensuring a just outcome.
