Lyndell “Lynn” Price, 42, was indicted on charges related to the June 2020 fire and explosion.
HOUSTON — A former co-owner of the Turkey Leg Hut in Third Ward has been indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit arson of a commercial building and conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle, according to the FBI.
The indictment, which was returned April 8, is against Lyndell “Lynn” Price, 42, of Houston. He was previously the co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut and is currently the co-owner of The Oyster Hut.
According to investigators, Price plotted to set fire to Bar 5015, which is owned by another former co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut, and who is Price’s former business partner. There was a resulting explosion at the bar felt by nearby residents.
The blast also damaged the bar, Faces.
“Wood everywhere, all over the place, in the ceiling. This door here penetrated the metal; it was everywhere,” owner Ricky Berry said.
Now, five years later, the pain cuts deeper.
“I am still in disbelief. We are all close-knit over here. We all patronize the business, I can’t believe it. Kind of heartfelt,” Berry said.
Berry said this wasn’t just a group of business owners. They were neighbors, leaned on each other, borrowed supplies, gave each other advice and grew up together.
“I am out of straws, out of napkins. We all help each other out. All kind of come up with each other,” Berry said. “It’s hard to believe. I don’t know what happened, but I am just in disbelief.”
In June 2020, the FBI said Price allegedly recruited and paid co-defendants Armani Williams, 27, and John Lee Price (no relation), 39, both of Houston, and others to pour gas on the entrance of Bar 5015 and set fire to it. In a separate incident, the FBI said Lyndell Price paid John Lee Price and others to set fire to a stolen 1975 blue Chevy Nova.
RELATED: HFD: Bar 5015 explosion was intentional; cause still under investigation
Lyndell Price, Williams and John Lee Price were in custody and appeared before a U.S. magistrate at 2 p.m. Friday. After hearing charges against them, they were released, pending their next court dates.
We spoke to John Price’s attorney, Letitia Quinones-Hollins, Friday outside the courthouse.
“It’s a classic example of being very mindful of the company that you keep,” she said. “Sometimes the company that you keep can get you in trouble.”
If convicted, all three men face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the arson-related charges.
Lyndell Price will be held in federal custody until a detention hearing next Thursday.
Lyndell Price and John Price are also charged with conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle, according to the FBI. They could get another five years as possible punishment if convicted.
About the bar fire and explosion
The fire and explosion at Bar 5015 happened in early on the morning of June 12, 2020, and shook homes miles away. The Houston Fire Department quickly determined it to be an intentional act.
The explosion left wood debris littered across the area, and at the time of our original reporting, a KHOU 11 News crew reported smelling the odor of strong gas when they arrived at the scene. Firefighters found at least one gas can nearby.
Surveillance video released
A few days later, investigators released surveillance video and images that investigators said showed two people pouring gasoline all over the bar before one of the men ignited it.
You can see the raw video here
Past reporting on Turkey Leg Hut
Turkey Leg Hut closed in November of last year after a judge’s ruling. The judge converted the Third Ward establishment’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy to Chapter 7, clearing the way for the restaurant’s landowner to terminate the lease. All of the iconic signs along Almeda Road were gone when KHOU 11 cameras went there on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. All of its assets were ordered to be sold to repay creditors.
RELATED: Turkey Leg Hut files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, owing nearly $5 million in debt, court records show
RELATED: Court orders Turkey Leg Hut co-owner to pay $900,000 in damages to former business partner
In 2022, US Foods, based in Delaware, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Illinois, alleging Turkey Leg Hut owed $85,106.17, but with the interest rate and attorney’s fees, the total amounted to $1,288,583.12 as of the court filing.
RELATED: Fire breaks out at Turkey Leg Hut business office
In March of 2024, a fire broke out inside the Turkey Leg Hut business office. In a social media post, Nakia said she’s grateful the restaurant didn’t burn.
