GUILTY KY - Crystal Rogers, 35, Bluegrass Parkway, 3 July 2015 #4 *arrest in 2023* Brooks Houck on Trial

[Emi]

Rogers case: Joseph Lawson seeks trial separate from his father and Brooks Houck - Nelson County Gazette

By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 -- Joseph Lawson, one of the defendants in the Crystal Rogers case, filed a supplemental motion in court last week to have his trial separated from his two co-defendants, Brooks Houck and Steve Lawson, Joseph Lawson's father...

nelsoncountygazette.com

 

[Niner]

Friday, October 25th:
*Status Hearing (for JL & SL) (@ 1:30pm ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 42) arrested, charged & indicted (9/27/23) & arraigned (10/5/23) with felony murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. Bond $10M Cash Only! Reduction of bond (to $500K) denied (10/9/23). KY Supreme Court denied (3/12/24) review of bond reduction. Was transferred (9/27/23) from Nelson County jail to Hardin County Detention Center. Was transferred (12/13/23) to Oldham County Detention Center. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 33) arrested, indicted & charged (7/24/23) with criminal conspiracy to commit murder & charged (6/21/23) with complicity in tampering with physical evidence. Bond $50K unsecured bond (tampering) & $550K Cash bond (conspiracy). Bond reduced (2/12/24) to $250K Cash bond. Plead not guilty. Held in Grayson County Kentucky Detention Center. Nelson County
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53) indicted, arrested & charged (12/7/23) & arraigned (12/21/23) with conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bond reduced to $250K (1/9/24). He's currently incarcerated in Harrison County, IN. Lawson was serving time at the Kentucky State Reformatory for a previous conviction, but that time will be served out in the coming weeks. He was moved to the Grayson County Detention Center this morning (5/3/24) & is currently in custody. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 2/10/25. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Houck’s defense attorneys Brian Butler, Michael Denbow & Jennifer Henry Jackson. S. Lawson’s defense attorney Theodore Lavit [was fired on 8/8/24] now has public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 (Houck & J. Lawson) & from 12/7/23 (S Lawson) thru 9/4/24 reference post #599 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-30
9/5/24 Update: The FBI & Nelson County Sheriff's Office are on day three of an evidence search at a property in Cox's Creek that used to be owned by the Houck family (specially the Houck brothers' grandma). To clarify Brooks & Nick Houck's grandmother Anna Whitesides owned this land in 2017. 9/6/24 Update: After three days of investigating a new site in the disappearance of Crystal, crews are back in Nelson County on Friday to wrap up their efforts in the search. Drone footage from Wednesday showed crews concentrating the search on an area behind the house.
10/4/24 Update: Nelson County Judge Simms confirmed on Friday that the trial or trials of Houck & his two co-defendants for the murder of Crystal will be held in either Warren or Christian counties likely next year [2/10/25]. It is still unknown if the men will be tried together or separate. Steve Lawson just acquired new attorneys who have hinted that they will likely file a motion to delay the trial, given the amount of evidence in the case. Additionally, Judge Simms ruled on Friday that Steve Lawson's former attorney, Theodore Lavit, must turn over the entire case file to Darren Wolf (SL’s new attorney) within the next two weeks. Otherwise, he could be held in contempt of court. The next hearing scheduled has been set for 10/25/24 for both Lawsons.
10/7/24 Update: Nelson County Judge Simms has determined the Crystal Rogers murder trial will take place in Warren County. The county seat is Bowling Green.
10/24/24 Update: Joseph Lawson filed a supplemental motion in court last week to have his trial separated from his two co-defendants, Brooks Houck & Steve Lawson, Joseph Lawson’s father. The motion argues that Joseph Lawson’s trial should be severed from his co-defendant father, Steve Lawson, so that it preserves Joseph Lawson’s right to an adequate defense.

 

[Emi]

Defense concerned evidence in Brooks Houck's case could bleed into another suspect's trial

Joseph Lawson's attorneys believe much of the evidence in Crystal Rogers' case doesn't apply to his case.

www.whas11.com

 

[Niner]

Well it looks like nothing was resolved in that hearing.

@arielilane - I believe you have access to the KY court site - does it have the next court date yet?

TIA!

 

[Niner]

I finally found a written article on the last hearing.

Crystal Rogers co-defendants attend court case review in Nelson Circuit Court

https://youtu.be/UKKzrnoc5V4 NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIOSTAFF REPORT Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 -- Two of the co-defendants in the Crystal Rogers case -- Steve Lawson and his son, Joseph Lawson -- appeared in Nelson Circuit Court Friday afternoon for a status update and to consider...

nelsoncountygazette.com

Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 — Two of the co-defendants in the Crystal Rogers case — Steve Lawson and his son, Joseph Lawson — appeared in Nelson Circuit Court Friday afternoon for a status update and to consider several motions.

Prosecutors filed an agreed order with the court noting that they plan to only use Joseph Lawson’s statements to investigators on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23, 2024 in their case against him.
[.....]
In a statement in support of separating Joseph Lawson’s trial from that of his co-defendants, his attorney again noted that the pre-trial publicity involving co-defendant Brooks Houck is likely to have “an unavoidable bleedover effect” on Joseph Lawson.

Simms asked his attorney to add the legal citations to his motion, so he can review the information later.

ADDITIONAL DISCOVERY. Prosecutor Shane Young told the judge that additional information about the investigation was turned over by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Prosecutors had been advised all the evidence had been turned over, but additional files were discovered and have been turned over to prosecutors.
[.....]
Prosecutors told Simms that investigator’s searches conducted since the defendants were indicted have not produced new evidence in the case.

FILES TRANSFERRED. Steven Lawson’s defense team confirmed that Lawson’s former attorney, Ted Lavitt of Lebanon, had complied with the judge’s order for him to turn over all of the files Lawson’s new attorneys.

The judge did not set the date for the next status hearing.

 

[Niner]

@arielilane - any updates in the court site yet for their next hearing date? TIA!

 

[Niner]

I can not access this article [stupid EU rules] - and was wondering "what" the new filings are? Anyone?? TIA!

New filings arise in Houck, Lawsons case

A pair of new court filings were entered into the record late last week and earlier this week pertaining to whether Joseph Lawson — one of the alleged co-conspirators in

www.pmg-ky2.com

 

[Warwick1991]

I can not access this article [stupid EU rules] - and was wondering "what" the new filings are? Anyone?? TIA!

New filings arise in Houck, Lawsons case

A pair of new court filings were entered into the record late last week and earlier this week pertaining to whether Joseph Lawson — one of the alleged co-conspirators in

www.pmg-ky2.com

"whether Joseph Lawson — one of the alleged co-conspirators in the death of Crystal Rogers — should be tried at the same trial as co-defendants Brooks Houck and Steven Lawson."

 

[Niner]

Can anyone read this article - not allowed here in the EU. TIA!

this is all I can see

Statements made to FBI on only 2 dates by suspect in Crystal Rogers case will be allowed at trial
WDRB
The judge is still deciding if the trial for Joseph, his father, Steve, and Brooks Houck, should be separate or not.

Statements made to FBI on only 2 dates by suspect in Crystal Rogers case will be allowed at trial

The judge is still deciding if the trial for Joseph, his father, Steve, and Brooks Houck, should be separate or not.

www.wdrb.com

and @arielilane - any new court dates yet? Unless it is in the article? TIA!

 

[Badgerette]

Can anyone read this article - not allowed here in the EU. TIA!

this is all I can see

Statements made to FBI on only 2 dates by suspect in Crystal Rogers case will be allowed at trial
WDRB
The judge is still deciding if the trial for Joseph, his father, Steve, and Brooks Houck, should be separate or not.

Statements made to FBI on only 2 dates by suspect in Crystal Rogers case will be allowed at trial

The judge is still deciding if the trial for Joseph, his father, Steve, and Brooks Houck, should be separate or not.

www.wdrb.com

and @arielilane - any new court dates yet? Unless it is in the article? TIA!

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — WDRB News has learned what evidence will be used in the Crystal Rogers murder trial.

In a 27 page court filing on Monday, Prosecutor Shane Young and Joseph Lawson's attorney agreed on one thing. Statements Joseph made to the FBI only on two dates, Oct. 16 and Oct. 20, 2020, will be used in the trial.

The rest of the court filing shows some case law and several pages that say "sealed document."

The judge is still deciding if the trial for Joseph, his father, Steve, and Brooks Houck, should be separate or not.

Right now, all three are scheduled to stand trial in February in Bowling Green.

Rogers was last seen with Houck during the Fourth of July weekend in 2015. Her car was left running on the side of Bluegrass Parkway with her phone and purse still inside. She's presumed dead, but her body was never found.

Joseph Lawson, 32, pleaded not guilty in September 2023 to criminal conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence in the Rogers case. He is not charged with Rogers' murder, but prosecutors instead charged him with conspiracy, meaning they believe he was involved in some fashion with whomever killed Rogers.
The maximum sentence for the conspiracy charge is 10-20 years in prison.

In addition, the indictment charges Joseph Lawson with complicity to tampering with physical evidence when he "destroyed, mutilated, concealed, removed or altered physical evidence." The maximum penalty for that charge is one to five years in prison.

Steve Lawson, according to a Dec. 6 Nelson County indictment, agreed to "aid one or more persons in the planning or commission" of the death of another and then "destroyed, mutilated, concealed, removed" or altered physical evidence on July 3 or July 4, 2015, when Rogers disappeared.

Houck's indictment accused him of "acting alone or in complicity with another" committing the offense of murder of Rogers. He's also charged with tampering when he "destroyed, mutilated, concealed, removed or altered" physical evidence, according to the indictment.

 

[Niner]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — WDRB News has learned what evidence will be used in the Crystal Rogers murder trial.

In a 27 page court filing on Monday, Prosecutor Shane Young and Joseph Lawson's attorney agreed on one thing. Statements Joseph made to the FBI only on two dates, Oct. 16 and Oct. 20, 2020, will be used in the trial.

The rest of the court filing shows some case law and several pages that say "sealed document."

The judge is still deciding if the trial for Joseph, his father, Steve, and Brooks Houck, should be separate or not.

Right now, all three are scheduled to stand trial in February in Bowling Green.

Rogers was last seen with Houck during the Fourth of July weekend in 2015. Her car was left running on the side of Bluegrass Parkway with her phone and purse still inside. She's presumed dead, but her body was never found.

Joseph Lawson, 32, pleaded not guilty in September 2023 to criminal conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence in the Rogers case. He is not charged with Rogers' murder, but prosecutors instead charged him with conspiracy, meaning they believe he was involved in some fashion with whomever killed Rogers.
The maximum sentence for the conspiracy charge is 10-20 years in prison.

In addition, the indictment charges Joseph Lawson with complicity to tampering with physical evidence when he "destroyed, mutilated, concealed, removed or altered physical evidence." The maximum penalty for that charge is one to five years in prison.

Steve Lawson, according to a Dec. 6 Nelson County indictment, agreed to "aid one or more persons in the planning or commission" of the death of another and then "destroyed, mutilated, concealed, removed" or altered physical evidence on July 3 or July 4, 2015, when Rogers disappeared.

Houck's indictment accused him of "acting alone or in complicity with another" committing the offense of murder of Rogers. He's also charged with tampering when he "destroyed, mutilated, concealed, removed or altered" physical evidence, according to the indictment.

Thank you! Much appreciated!

 

[arielilane]

@Niner, Ive not attempted to access the county website and dont check often enough on this case.


According to a Lexington Herald Leader article, November 5, 2024


-- A Nelson County judge ruled that two of three men charged in the disappearance and suspected murder of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers will have a joint trial.


-- Nelson County Circuit Judge Charles Simms III ruled Tuesday the Houck and Joseph Lawson will have a joint trial while Steven Lawson’s trial will be separate, according to a 10-page ruling.


-- Steven Lawson was severed from the joint trial because of statements he made that are inadmissable in court. Simms said Steven Lawson’s testimony throughout the investigation is best described as “ever-evolving,” and Houck and Joseph Lawson would want to provide explanations for Steven Lawson’s testimony in a joint trial.


-- Steven Lawson’s trial is set for February 2025. Houck and Joseph Lawson are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5 to set a new trial date.

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/crime/article290190299.html#storylink=cpy

 

[arielilane]

In a ruling issued Tuesday, November 5, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III ordered a separate trial for Steven Eugene Lawson. The trial is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2025.

Because of pre-trial publicity, the cases will be tried in Warren County.

Separate trial ordered for one suspect in Crystal Rogers case

Trials for the other two suspects will be consolidated.

www.wkyt.com

Updated: 20 hours ago

 

[Niner]

@Niner, Ive not attempted to access the county website and dont check often enough on this case.


According to a Lexington Herald Leader article, November 5, 2024


-- A Nelson County judge ruled that two of three men charged in the disappearance and suspected murder of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers will have a joint trial.


-- Nelson County Circuit Judge Charles Simms III ruled Tuesday the Houck and Joseph Lawson will have a joint trial while Steven Lawson’s trial will be separate, according to a 10-page ruling.


-- Steven Lawson was severed from the joint trial because of statements he made that are inadmissable in court. Simms said Steven Lawson’s testimony throughout the investigation is best described as “ever-evolving,” and Houck and Joseph Lawson would want to provide explanations for Steven Lawson’s testimony in a joint trial.


-- Steven Lawson’s trial is set for February 2025. Houck and Joseph Lawson are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5 to set a new trial date.

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/crime/article290190299.html#storylink=cpy

THANK YOU!!

 

[Emi]

Trial date set for suspects in Crystal Rogers case

The trials for all three men will start next year.

www.whas11.com

 

[Emi]

Trial date set for Brooks Houck, Joseph Lawson in Crystal Rogers case

A trial date has been set for two of the men charged in Crystal Rogers' death.

www.wlky.com

Trial dates finalized for suspects in Crystal Rogers case

The trials were moved from Nelson County to Warren County because of pre-trial publicity.

www.wkyt.com

Separate trial ordered for one suspect in Crystal Rogers case

Trials for the other two suspects will be consolidated.

www.wkyt.com

 

[emberglade]

When I first heard of this case in 2019, I was haunted. It's been on my mind nearly every day since. When they not only arrested Brooks, but two other men as well, I was over the moon. My biggest fear was that Crystal's case would go in the direction of Petito's or Susan Powell's, and Brooks would be long gone before justice could ever be served. Every small movement in this case is just another reminder something, some justice is coming for crystal. She was a beautiful soul who deserved so much better and I cannot wait for Sherry and the rest of Crystal's family to find some closure!

 

[arielilane]

@Niner, @Emi already posted this info, but posted another article in case you're able to access.


Houck and Joseph were scheduled to have a hearing for their trial date in December, but a judge has set their trial date for June 24, 2025.

Trial date set for Brooks Houck, Joseph Lawson in Crystal Rogers case

A trial date has been set for two of the men charged in Crystal Rogers' death.

www.wlky.com

11/12/2024

 

[arielilane]

Where is Crystal Rogers?​

 

[girlhasnoname]

Where is Crystal Rogers?​

I don't think her remains will ever be found sadly. That such another slap in the face to her children and the Rogers family.

I was hoping one of the suspects would flip and turn states witness giving up her remains, maybe one will when the time for trial gets closer. I would still like to see NH arrested on some type of charge related to this case.

JMO