Introduction to the Case
Lyndell "Lynn" Price, the former owner of The Turkey Leg Hut and current owner of The Oyster Hut, has been indicted on three federal charges. The 42-year-old was arrested on Thursday after leaving his girlfriend’s house, according to a source familiar with the case. He is currently in federal custody and will remain there until his detention hearing, scheduled for the following Thursday.
Co-Defendants and Charges
Also in custody are Armani Williams, 27, and John Lee Price, 39, both from Houston. The three-count indictment alleges that Lynn Price and others conspired to set fire to Bar 5015 in June 2020. The charges claim that the owner of Bar 5015 was a former co-owner of The Turkey Leg Hut and Lynn Price’s business partner.
Details of the Arson
In early June 2020, Lynn Price allegedly recruited a group, including Williams and John Price, to commit the arson. The charges state that Williams and others poured gasoline at the entrance ramp of Bar 5015 before igniting a fire on June 12, 2020. Lynn Price and his co-conspirators agreed to provide payment to the crew tasked with starting the fire.
Investigation and Evidence
Early that morning, Williams and an unnamed co-conspirator purchased gasoline, gas cans, and face coverings at a truck stop in Houston. Williams then drove to and parked near the bar in a black Ford Fusion. They entered the deck area and poured gasoline across the deck and down the entrance ramp. At 4:44 a.m., Williams and the unnamed co-conspirator lit a piece of paper and ignited the trail of gasoline. By 4:47 a.m., Lynn Price received a phone call to let him know the arson was complete.
Prior Incidents
Prior to the arson, the indictment alleges that in April 2020, Lynn Price paid John Price and others to set fire to a stolen blue 1975 Chevy Nova.
Potential Punishment
Lynn Price and the others are charged with conspiracy to commit arson and arson, facing up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Lynn Price and John Price are also charged with conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle, which could result in an additional five years of punishment upon conviction.
Defense Attorney’s Statement
Defense attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins, representing John Lee Price, stated that this is a classic example of being mindful of the company you keep. Quinones-Hollins clarified that her client, John Lee Price, and Lyndell Leroy Price are not related despite sharing the same last name. Armani Williams and John Lee Price were released on bond.
The Bar 5015 Explosion
The Houston Fire Department responded to the explosion on June 12, 2020, around 4:48 a.m. at Bar 5015. Firefighters saw a debris field and several small fires, which were extinguished within five minutes. Splintered wood and other debris were scattered down the street and up the block from the bar. A food truck near the area was also destroyed, and some buildings and homes near the scene sustained damage.
Conclusion
The case of Lyndell "Lynn" Price and his co-defendants is a complex and serious one, involving federal charges of arson and conspiracy. As the legal process unfolds, it will be important to follow the developments in this case and to consider the potential consequences of the actions alleged in the indictment. The story will be updated as more information becomes available.
