Lyndell “Lynn” Price, the former co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut in the Third Ward of Houston, Texas, is facing federal charges for allegedly setting fire to an establishment owned by his ex-business partner, Steven Rodgers, in 2020, ABC13 reports.
Price, 42, is indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit arson of a commercial building and conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle.
Authorities said the current owner of Oyster Hut, Armani Williams, 27, and John Lee Price, 39, appeared in magistrate court on Friday. Lynn Price did not have his bond set.
Court documents allege that on June 12, 2020, Price and a group of people, including Williams and John Lee, poured gasoline on Bar 5015’s entrance ramp before igniting the fire.
The building ultimately exploded, leaving it in ruins.
Per the documents, Lynn Price paid the group to carry out the act.
Former Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña said multiple gas containers were found near the scene.
“First, it was just disbelief,” bar owner Steven Rodgers told the outlet in an earlier exclusive interview. “Wood everywhere, all over the place, in the ceiling. This door here penetrated the metal; it was everywhere.”
“We are all close-knit over here. We all patronize the business; I can’t believe it. Kind of heartfelt,” Berry said. “I am out of straws, out of napkins. We all help each other out. All kind of come up with each other. It’s hard to believe. I don’t know what happened, but I am just in disbelief.”
The bar was eventually restored and is currently fully operational.
This isn’t Lynn Price’s first run-in with law enforcement. The 42-year-old also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy when Turkey Leg Hut, which he co-owned with his ex-wife Nakia Holmes, faced a $4.7 million debt.
The booming staple later caught fire in early 2024 and closed down indefinitely.
Price was also charged with conspiracy to commit arson after he allegedly paid others to set fire to a stolen blue 1975 Chevy Nova.
He remains in federal custody, with his detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.
All involved are charged with conspiracy to commit arson and arson and face up to 20 years in prison, along with a $250,000 maximum fine.
