David Bridges
A recent federal court hearing held in Houston, Texas, has uncovered significant findings stemming from the extensive investigation conducted by the FBI into Lyndell ‘Lynn’ Price. The former co-owner of the Turkey Leg Hut restaurant, along with his alleged accomplices, was apprehended on April 18 on serious arson charges. Investigators are now laying bare the results of a comprehensive, years-long inquiry in court, shedding light on the events leading up to the charges.
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FBI Agent Provides Key Testimony During Court Proceedings
According to a report by the Houston Chronicle, FBI agent Deborah Cline testified on Thursday, May 1, stating that Price allegedly compensated John Lee Price and Armani Williams with $1,400 to incinerate Bar 5015. This establishment was owned by Steven Rogers, a former business partner of Lyndell Price at Turkey Leg Hut. Agent Cline indicated that the motive behind this alleged act of arson stemmed from a personal vendetta related to an unsuccessful business arrangement. She detailed how Lyndell Price supposedly enlisted the two men to saturate the bar’s entrance ramp with gasoline and ignite it as a means of settling the score.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed additional troubling information. Lee Price, who previously worked at Turkey Leg Hut, cooperated with the FBI during a significant drug bust in Mississippi in 2023. He confessed to setting the bar on fire under Lyndell Price’s orders. Cline asserted that he had earlier informed investigators that Turkey Leg Hut served as a façade for a massive cannabis operation, with substantial quantities of marijuana being stored and distributed using the restaurant’s packaging.
Threatening Text Messages from Turkey Leg Hut Owner to Bar Owner
Agent Cline further alleged that Lyndell Price had been fixating on Steven Rogers since 2019, the year Rogers acquired Bar 5015. Initially, Rogers had planned to collaborate with Lyndell Price and his ex-wife, Nakia Holmes, but he later decided against it, which ignited tension between the two. When Lyndell Price later arrived at the bar with a “box of cash” proposing to buy into the establishment, Rogers declined his offer. In response, Lyndell Price reportedly sent a series of mocking text messages to Rogers, belittling Bar 5015 for supposedly imitating Turkey Leg Hut and even warned him that the bar would “blow up.” Additionally, law enforcement’s raid of Lyndell Price’s apartment uncovered a dangerous arsenal, which included a flamethrower and numerous unregistered firearms.
Lyndell Price’s Plea of Not Guilty and His Estranged Wife’s Heartfelt Statement
Lyndell Price entered a not guilty plea to a three-count indictment that includes conspiracy to commit arson and using an interstate facility to facilitate the torching of a vehicle. Following the hearing, the presiding judge mandated that Lyndell Price be detained without bond, while both Williams and Lee Price were released pending their upcoming court appearances.
In the midst of these troubling events, Price’s estranged wife addressed ESSENCE, emphasizing her dedication to safeguarding her peace, her children, and their ongoing “healing journey.” She characterized the case as a personal nightmare and disclosed that she had separated from Price some time ago.
“In light of the recent events involving my estranged husband, Lynn Price, I want to make it clear that my primary focus remains on protecting my peace, my children, and our healing journey,” she shared. “This is a deeply painful and personal matter. I have been separated from Mr. Price for some time and have taken every necessary step to distance myself and my family from his actions and legal affairs. My children and I ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we continue to move forward with strength and grace. I will not be commenting further at this time, as my priority is the well-being of my family.”
Former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner Lyndell Price has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the explosive 2020 fire at a bar in Houston’s Third Ward. @DeniseFOX26 explains the charges and reads a statement from Price’s estranged wife and former business partner. pic.twitter.com/eYIdopaxSN
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) May 1, 2025
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