On April 11, 2023, 46-year-old Elliot Nix was fatally shot in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred around 7:55 p.m. in the 1300 block of Chartres Street, near the Rodeo Goat restaurant. Nix had reportedly approached Erick Aguirre, 29, and his date, posing as a parking attendant and charging them $40 for parking. Upon entering the restaurant, Aguirre was informed by an employee that Nix was a scammer with no affiliation to the parking lot.
Reacting to this revelation, Aguirre retrieved a pistol from his vehicle and pursued Nix. A witness reported hearing a gunshot and later observed Aguirre walking back to his car, placing the gun inside, and returning to the restaurant to continue his date. Nix was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, surveillance photos of Aguirre and his date were released to the public. Tips from Crime Stoppers led to Aguirre's identification and subsequent arrest in Aransas County, Texas. He was extradited to Harris County on April 25 and charged with murder. His bond was set at $200,000. The woman accompanying Aguirre cooperated with authorities and was not charged.
This case has drawn attention to Texas laws regarding the use of deadly force in property crimes. Legal experts suggest that while Aguirre's defense may argue justification under these laws, the circumstances—retrieving a weapon when not in immediate danger and resuming his date after the shooting—could undermine such a defense. The incident also highlights concerns about the widespread availability of firearms and public understanding of lawful use.
