Former co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut sentenced to 8 years for 2020 bar fire, judge rules

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner Lyndell Price has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for charges tied to the 2020 arson of Houston nightclub Bar 5015, a judge ruled.

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

Price entered a guilty plea in June, admitting his role in coordinating to set fire to the business in the Museum District six years ago.

After Price recited a speech saying he accepted full responsibility for the fire, federal prosecutors gave a thorough overview of Price's past transgressions.

Federal prosecutors said Price had an unchecked ego and needed the world to bend to his will. When the owner of Bar 5015 did not bend, prosecutors said the fire was the result.

The government also said Price is covered in flame tattoos, as if to "tell the world this is the tool of my trade."

Price was apparently sanctioned six times since he had been locked up for this case.

Price was sentenced to 102 months in prison and three years of supervised release in addition to an anger management program.

Price showed no emotion during sentencing and said, "Love you, thank you," as we walked out of the courtroom.

Bar 5015 fire

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 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, prosecutors filed no charges 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.

SEE ALSO: Former owner of Turkey Leg Hut, 2 others indicted in connection with 2020 Bar 5015 fire, records say

Price initially pleaded not guilty last year, but changed his plea earlier this year.