Federal Charges Filed Against Former Turkey Leg Hut Owner for 2020 Arson

HOUSTON – Lyndell “Lynn” Price, the former co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut, faced federal arson charges during a court hearing on May 1, 2025. The charges relate to the 2020 explosion at Bar 5015, owned by his estranged business partner Steve Rogers.

Price, 42, is accused of orchestrating the arson, which took place in the Museum District on a summer morning, and allegedly paid $1,400 for the act. Alongside Price, two others—Armani Williams, 27, and John Lee Price, 39—are also implicated.

At the detention hearing, Price was seen in an olive green jumpsuit, handcuffed and shackled. While several family members watched from the gallery, Price acknowledged them with a nod.

During the proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Price poses a threat to the community. They argued he could influence witnesses if released. Defense attorney Chuck Egbuonu claimed the evidence didn’t meet the burden required for detention.

FBI Agent Deborah Cline testified about geofenced cellphone data linking Price to the scene of the explosion. Security footage showed John Lee Price near the bar shortly before the fire started. Calls between Lynn Price and John Lee Price were the only contacts made during that month.

“If Lynn Price was motivated to set a competing business on fire, why didn’t he target other related businesses?” Egbuonu questioned.

John Lee Price reportedly confessed to FBI agents that Lynn Price instructed him on how to carry out the arson. Williams also corroborated details of the arson while expressing his fear of Price’s violent reputation.

Rogers stated he initially considered partnering with Lynn Price but changed his mind due to legal issues involving Price. He alleged that Price once threatened to blow up Bar 5015 over business conflicts.

Text messages between Price and a former restaurant manager revealed threatening tones, with one message where Price stated, “I will come to your house and kill that dog … stop playing and I mean it.”

Price’s defense emphasized his community contributions, sharing letters from supporters, including former NBA coach Don Chaney. However, prosecutors warned of his history and prior felony conviction, which prohibits him from possessing firearms.

Throughout the hearing, prosecutors outlined allegations of drug trafficking linked to the Turkey Leg Hut, although Price has yet to face drug charges.

The judge, Dena Palermo, praised his willingness to consider all evidence before making a ruling on Price’s detention status, with a decision expected soon. If convicted, Price could face over 20 years in prison.