HOUSTON, Texas — Lyndell Price, a former co-owner of the now-closed Turkey Leg Hut, pleaded guilty on Thursday to hiring individuals to set fire to Bar 5015, a Houston establishment owned by his former business partner, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal court records.
Price, 42, admitted that he directed others to burn Bar 5015, located on Almeda Road, after a business dispute with owner Steve Rogers, who had previously partnered with him in the Turkey Leg Hut business.
Federal prosecutors said Price arranged for Armani Williams and Miziah Shepherd, both 27, to carry out the arson. Williams and Shepherd previously pleaded guilty in connection with the case.
According to prosecutors, Williams and Shepherd poured gasoline across the entrance ramp and deck of the bar on the morning of June 12, 2020, and ignited it.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Price paid the two men to commit the arson. Court records show that another individual, John Price, also pleaded guilty earlier this year for his role in the fire and is awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors said the fire caused significant damage and endangered nearby homes, commercial properties, and electrical infrastructure.
Price faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing for Price, Williams, and Shepherd is scheduled for Sept. 25.
Bar 5015 owner Steve Rogers was previously involved in a business dispute with Price after refusing to sell his interest in Turkey Leg Hut, according to court documents.
The Turkey Leg Hut later faced a $1.3 million lawsuit in 2023 from food distributor US Foods over alleged unpaid fees.
The business filed for bankruptcy and closed in 2024 after its lease was terminated, according to court records.