Nationwide — Lyndell Price, former co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut, has been sentenced to 102 months in federal prison for his role in the 2020 arson of Bar 5015, a nightclub in Houston’s Museum District. The sentence comes after he pleaded guilty to helping organize the attack that caused an explosion and severely damaged the business.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed several people arriving at the nightclub with five-gallon containers of gasoline. The suspects allegedly poured the fuel onto a wooden deck near the entrance before setting it on fire. The flames triggered an explosion that sent debris flying hundreds of feet in multiple directions and destroyed part of the building.
The case drew widespread attention because of Price’s business ties to the nightclub’s owner. At the time, the two men were business partners at Turkey Leg Hut, the popular Houston restaurant. Speculation about Price’s possible involvement began after authorities released surveillance footage of the attack in 2020. However, federal prosecutors waited several years before filing charges. In 2025, authorities charged four people, alleging that Price had directed several men to carry out the arson. One of the defendants, Miziah Shepherd, pleaded guilty that year and admitted to helping plan and execute the attack.
Price initially denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty after his arrest. He later changed his plea in June, admitting his role in the fire. During his sentencing hearing, he told the court that he accepted full responsibility for the attack. Federal prosecutors, however, presented a different account of his behavior, describing him as someone with an inflated ego who wanted others to follow his demands. They argued that the nightclub owner’s refusal to give in to him led to the attack. Prosecutors also called attention to his numerous flame tattoos as they made their case.
According to ABC 13, the judge ordered Price to serve 102 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He must also complete an anger management program. Prosecutors revealed that he had received six disciplinary sanctions while being held in custody as the case moved through the courts. Price showed little emotion when the judge announced his sentence. As he left the courtroom, he briefly said, “Love you, thank you.”