Jury finds two men guilty in 2015 disappearance of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers

A jury in Bowling Green reached a verdict Tuesday for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson, who were charged in connection with the 2015 disappearance and presumed death of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers.

The jury found Brooks Houck guilty of murder, and Joseph Lawson guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. Both were found guilty of tampering with physical evidence.

The ten-day trial that began June 24 included more than 50 witnesses, cellphone data testimony, policing experts, surveillance videos, and recorded interrogations. 

The jury of six men and six women recommended life in prison for Houck and 25 years for Lawson following their verdicts.

Rogers was reported missing from her home in July of 2015. The 35-year-old mother of five was living with her boyfriend Houck, their two-year-old son, and her other children. Houck is reported to be the last person known to have seen her.

Her car was found two days later with a flat tire on the Bluegrass Parkway with her purse and cellphone inside. No trace of Rogers has ever been found.

Final sentencing will be held Aug. 21. Both men will have to serve 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.


(Photo: Nelson County Sheriff's office)