Lyndell “Lynn” Price, former proprietor of the popular Houston venue Turkey Leg Hut and current owner of The Oyster Hut, has changed his plea in a federal arson case related to Bar 5015. This decision marks Price as the third of five individuals charged in connection with the arson plot to enter a guilty plea.
Details of the Plea Hearing
At a recent court hearing, Price, 44, was visibly in custody, dressed in an olive-green jumpsuit with handcuffs and shackles. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson, aligning himself with a felony charge. As part of a plea agreement with federal officials, additional charges against him will be dismissed during sentencing proceedings. This admission signifies a turning point in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the June 2020 incident that devastated Bar 5015, a well-frequented nightclub in Houston.
During the hearing, Price testified that he had instructed an employee from Turkey Leg Hut, who is also implicated in this case, to organize a crew for the arson attack on Bar 5015. He admitted that this crew transported gasoline to the location and intentionally ignited the fire. The court also heard that on the morning of June 12, 2020, Price received a call from co-defendant John Lee Price around 4:47 a.m., confirming that the planned arson attack had taken place. Price claimed he was taken aback by the call, despite being the one who initiated the plan.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
The repercussions of Price’s guilty plea are significant. He now faces a potential prison sentence ranging from five to twenty years, along with possible fines of up to $250,000. The federal judge overseeing the case, Judge Sim Lake, inquired about Price’s contradictory reaction to the phone call that confirmed the fire had been set, given that he had orchestrated the plan. Price responded that he was surprised it occurred in the early morning hours when he was still asleep, which raised further questions from the court.
Despite Price’s acknowledgment of key aspects of the arson scheme, he denied any allegations that he compensated his co-defendant, John Lee Price, for his involvement. According to prosecutors, if the case had gone to trial, John Lee Price would have testified that he received payment for his role in the criminal activity. Ultimately, Price confirmed his guilty plea, and his sentencing has been scheduled for September 25, 2026.
Background on the Bar 5015 Incident
The indictment claims that Price actively involved himself in the planning of an arson attack on Bar 5015 on June 12, 2020. Evidence suggested that co-conspirators purchased gasoline and other supplies to execute this attack. When they ignited the fire, it quickly escalated, resulting in a massive explosion that inflicted extensive damage on the bar and surrounding properties. Houston firefighters responded to the scene, where they discovered small fires and debris scattered throughout the area. Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the explosion, showing individuals carrying containers of flammable liquid into the nightclub, exacerbating the severity of the incident.
This legal development is part of a broader pattern of troubles for Price, whose restaurant enterprise has become embroiled in multiple lawsuits and investigations. In addition to the arson charge, he has faced federal allegations involving weapons and drugs, further complicating his legal landscape.
With the conclusion of this hearing, the Bar 5015 explosion case takes a decisive turn. Several defendants have already entered guilty pleas, and ongoing investigations suggest that further legal repercussions could follow. As Price prepares for his sentencing, the ramifications of his actions will undoubtedly resonate within the Houston community and the wider legal framework.