Former co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut pleads guilty to plotting to set fire to Bar 5015, FBI says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner Lyndell Price has pleaded guilty to federal charges tied to the 2020 arson of Houston nightclub Bar 5015, a case that remained unsolved for years before prosecutors brought charges against him and several others.

Price entered the guilty plea Thursday in federal court, admitting his role in directing others to set fire to the Museum District-area business six years ago.

The fire destroyed a portion of Bar 5015 and sent debris flying hundreds of feet in multiple directions following an explosion outside the building.

According to investigators, surveillance video captured several individuals carrying 5-gallon containers to the business and pouring gasoline onto a wooden deck outside the entrance. Authorities said one of the suspects then ignited the liquid, triggering the explosion and resulting fire.

Federal officials have charged four people in connection with the arson. One of those defendants, Miziah Shepherd, pleaded guilty in 2025 and admitted to helping plan and carry out the attack.

The case drew widespread attention in Houston because of Price's connection to the popular Turkey Leg Hut restaurant.

Shortly after surveillance footage was released in 2020, speculation emerged that Price may have been involved. At the time, the owner of Bar 5015 was also a business partner of Price in Turkey Leg Hut.

Despite the public attention, no charges were filed for nearly five years.

Federal prosecutors eventually announced charges in 2025, alleging that Price directed several men to carry out the arson. Court records indicated that investigators had gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with the prosecution.

Price initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea during Thursday's hearing.

Price has remained in custody since last year and now faces a federal prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years.

He is scheduled to be sentenced in September.