On October 21, 2013, 40-year-old Phillip Andrew Liase, an African American male, was found fatally shot in his Bentley in Houston, Texas. Liase, originally from Longview, Texas, had recently relocated to Houston from Atlanta, Georgia, with aspirations of establishing a high-end, Las Vegas-style gentlemen's club named NV at 6224 Richmond Avenue. The club was still under construction and weeks away from its grand opening.
In the early hours of that day, Liase had departed from VLive, an after-hours entertainment venue located at 6213 Richmond Avenue, owned by Damon Cobbs. Shortly after leaving, he was ambushed and shot multiple times by at least two assailants. Houston Police Homicide Sergeant Richard Rodriguez led the initial investigation at the scene. Family members, including his sister, Pam Liase-Fuller, arrived and expressed concerns that the murder might be gang-related.
Prior to his death, Liase had faced significant challenges in his business endeavors. In August 2013, he and his business partners, Felix Murry and an individual known as Nate, began transforming the Richmond Avenue location into a premier gentlemen's club. However, the project encountered two arson attempts during the summer of 2013. The first incident involved a Molotov cocktail thrown at the club's electrical box, causing approximately $2,000 in external damage. Following this, security measures were heightened, including the installation of cameras and hiring a private security firm.
Despite these precautions, a second arson attempt occurred two weeks later. The perpetrator used a ladder to access the club's rooftop and ignited a fire, which was promptly extinguished by the fire department. Notably, the security officer on duty was absent during this incident, raising suspicions among Liase's associates. These events led to heightened concerns about potential adversaries in the competitive Houston adult entertainment industry.
Investigations revealed that Liase had been approached by individuals seeking a share of his club's future profits. Richard Williams, the club's manager, recounted an incident where a young Persian man, accompanied by another individual referred to as "The President," offered money in exchange for a stake in the club's earnings. Liase declined this proposition, aiming to maintain control over his venture.
In the aftermath of Liase's murder, federal investigations into related arson cases in Houston and Dallas pointed towards organized efforts to eliminate competition within the strip club industry. Vincent Palmer and Matthew Allen were later convicted for the arson of the Black Diamonds Strip Club in Dallas. They alleged that Damon Cobbs had hired them to commit the act to suppress rival establishments. While Cobbs was questioned by Houston Police regarding Liase's murder, no charges have been filed against him in connection to the case.
As of now, the murder of Phillip Liase remains unsolved. Authorities continue to seek information, urging anyone with knowledge about the case to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division or the Houston-based FBI office.
