Phillip Andrew Liase, 40, was found fatally shot in his Bentley in Houston on October 21, 2013. Liase had moved from Atlanta to Houston to open a high-end gentlemen’s club called NV at 6224 Richmond Avenue; the club was still under construction and weeks from its planned grand opening when he was killed.

Shortly after leaving VLive, an after-hours venue at 6213 Richmond Avenue owned by Damon Cobbs, Liase was ambushed and shot multiple times by at least two assailants. His business had suffered two arson attempts that summer, including a Molotov cocktail at the electrical box and a rooftop fire started with a ladder; security was later increased. Associates reported pressure from individuals seeking a cut of the club’s profits, an offer Liase refused.

Federally prosecuted arson in Dallas and Houston later implicated organized efforts against rival strip clubs; Vincent Palmer and Matthew Allen were convicted in a Dallas arson and alleged Cobbs had hired them. Cobbs was questioned about Liase’s killing but has not been charged. The murder remains unsolved. If anyone knew Phillip or has information about the attack or the arsons, contact the Houston Police Homicide Division or the Houston FBI office.