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

[Niner]

@arielilane - any updates for hearings on anyone? TIA!

 

[arielilane]

@arielilane - any updates for hearings on anyone? TIA!

No further news other than what you have already posted. Ive not been able to access court website (or whas11 site) because of security settings.


Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms granted a continuance on his trial with a new date for 9 a.m. on May 27. A pre-trial review is also scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Lawson's attorneys previously filed a motion Friday asking for the trial set to begin on Feb. 11 to be pushed back to late summer to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence.

Trial postponed for Steve Lawson, charged in connection with Crystal Rogers case

Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms granted the motion Thursday, saying additional time should be given to Lawson's new counsel to review evidence.

www.courier-journal.com

1.9.2025


And...


LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Nelson County judge postponed the February trial for Steve Lawson, one of three men charged in the Crystal Rogers murder case, until May 27 to give defense attorneys more time to review evidence in the nearly 10-year-old case.

Nelson County judge postpones Steve Lawson trial in Crystal Rogers murder case

1.9.2025

 

[Niner]

No further news other than what you have already posted. Ive not been able to access court website (or whas11 site) because of security settings.


Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms granted a continuance on his trial with a new date for 9 a.m. on May 27. A pre-trial review is also scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Lawson's attorneys previously filed a motion Friday asking for the trial set to begin on Feb. 11 to be pushed back to late summer to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence.

Trial postponed for Steve Lawson, charged in connection with Crystal Rogers case

Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms granted the motion Thursday, saying additional time should be given to Lawson's new counsel to review evidence.

www.courier-journal.com

1.9.2025


And...


LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Nelson County judge postponed the February trial for Steve Lawson, one of three men charged in the Crystal Rogers murder case, until May 27 to give defense attorneys more time to review evidence in the nearly 10-year-old case.

Nelson County judge postpones Steve Lawson trial in Crystal Rogers murder case

1.9.2025

Thanks for that date in February for Steve Lawson - much appreciated!

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Steve Lawson's trial date is scheduled for May 27, 2025 at 9 a.m.
The combined trial for Houck and Joseph Lawson is scheduled for June 25, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Every search warrant in the Crystal Rogers' case has been sealed in court, but the sheriff said investigators were looking for Rogers' body after a new piece of information.

Crystal Rogers Case: Latest on where the death investigation stands

The three men charged in Crystal Rogers’ death will face juries in two different trials in Bowling Green later this year.

www.whas11.com

 

[LookingForClues]

Ten long years to finally have a trial. It's hard to believe that my husband and I, on a bourbon tour in September 2015, saw the signs for Crystal when we visited her town. I think about how much our lives have changed, how life moved forward for us, and my heart breaks for Crystal's family, her parents (and now just her mom) and her children, as they wait for justice, for resolution, and for some kind of peace. I wish someone would give her back to her family, end their uncertainty, and end some of their anguish.

 

[arielilane]

-- Reminder: Steve Lawson's trial postponed Feb. 11, 2025.

-- Rescheduled trial May 27, 2025.

-- SL is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing Feb. 27, 2025, @1:30 pm ET.

-- SL's trial is separated from that of his son, Jos L, and Brooks Houck.

moo

 

[Niner]

-- Reminder: Steve Lawson's trial postponed Feb. 11, 2025.

-- Rescheduled trial May 27, 2025.

-- SL is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing Feb. 27, 2025, @1:30 pm ET.

-- SL's trial is separated from that of his son, Jos L, and Brooks Houck.

moo

and the last hearing I have for Houck & Joseph was on 12/5/24 which was cancelled. Nothing but their trial date of 6/24/25.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, February 27th:
*Pretrial Review Hearing (@ 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). – *Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) 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 was set to begin on 2/11/25 was continued on 5/27/25 for Steven Lawson Only.
Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. S. Lawson’s defense attorney Theodore Lavit [was fired on 8/8/24] now has public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler.
Case & Court info from 12/7/23 thru 11/15/24 reference post #658 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-33
1/3/25 Update: Steve Lawson: In a motion filed in the Nelson Circuit Court Friday, Steve Lawson & his attorneys asked for his trial — currently set to begin on Feb. 11 — to be pushed back to an unspecified date to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence. An affidavit filed with the motion, sworn by Lawson, echoes the concerns his attorneys outlined, adding that he needs more time to "fully comprehend the discovery in my case." The motion will be heard in court Thursday, 1/9/25 according to court records.
1/9/25 Update: Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms has postponed the trial of Lawson charged in connection with the disappearance of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers. His trial, originally scheduled to begin 2/11/25 in Warren County, has been rescheduled for 5/27/25 @ 9am. Judge Simms granted a continuance Thursday morning during a motion hour after the defense filed the request last Friday. The motion cited a change in Lawson’s legal representation as a primary reason for the delay. Attorneys Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler joined the case in August 2024, following the withdrawal of Lawson’s previous attorney. The defense sought additional time to prepare. Next pretrial review hearing on 2/27/25 @ 1:30pm.
*Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.

 

[girlhasnoname]

Thursday, February 27th:
*Pretrial Review Hearing (@ 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). – *Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) 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 was set to begin on 2/11/25 was continued on 5/27/25 for Steven Lawson Only.
Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. S. Lawson’s defense attorney Theodore Lavit [was fired on 8/8/24] now has public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler.
Case & Court info from 12/7/23 thru 11/15/24 reference post #658 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-33
1/3/25 Update: Steve Lawson: In a motion filed in the Nelson Circuit Court Friday, Steve Lawson & his attorneys asked for his trial — currently set to begin on Feb. 11 — to be pushed back to an unspecified date to give them time to review prosecutorial evidence. An affidavit filed with the motion, sworn by Lawson, echoes the concerns his attorneys outlined, adding that he needs more time to "fully comprehend the discovery in my case." The motion will be heard in court Thursday, 1/9/25 according to court records.
1/9/25 Update: Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms has postponed the trial of Lawson charged in connection with the disappearance of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers. His trial, originally scheduled to begin 2/11/25 in Warren County, has been rescheduled for 5/27/25 @ 9am. Judge Simms granted a continuance Thursday morning during a motion hour after the defense filed the request last Friday. The motion cited a change in Lawson’s legal representation as a primary reason for the delay. Attorneys Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler joined the case in August 2024, following the withdrawal of Lawson’s previous attorney. The defense sought additional time to prepare. Next pretrial review hearing on 2/27/25 @ 1:30pm.
*Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.

Let's get this show on the road. Did SL turn state's witness?

 

[arielilane]

Nothing that I could locate on JL's pretrial hearing to begin @1:30 pm ET, at this time. Guess it too early?

 

[Niner]

Nothing that I could locate on JL's pretrial hearing to begin @1:30 pm ET, at this time. Guess it too early?

Actually it is for SL...

 

[arielilane]

Today Steve Lawson sits between his attorneys during a pre-trial hearing on Thursday. | Feb. 27, 2025 Lawson's attorneys believe a trial that plays out before they're ready could lead to a future appeal.

Nelson County judge makes special offer to Steve Lawson in attempt to keep trial on track

Judge Charles Simms offered to bring Steve Lawson to the courthouse every day between now and the trial date to review evidence “if that’s what it takes."

www.whas11.com

Hearing lasted less than 10 minutes

-- SL’s legal team continued their push to delay trial — they are reviewing discovery and have concerns about how overwhelming it is given appointment in August 2024.

-- SL is expected to go to trial May 27 in Warren County.

-- SL is charged in connection with the disappearance and murder of Crystal Rogers, in addition to charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.

-- Joseph Lawson (SL’s son) is facing the same charges and their former employer Brooks Houck is charged with murder.

-- SL will be tried independently from the other co-defendants in the case, Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck. Both (JL and BH) defendants are scheduled to be tried on June 24 in Warren County Justice Center.

 

[Gigiky]

These wheels of justice really DO move slow!!

 

[Niner]

Today Steve Lawson sits between his attorneys during a pre-trial hearing on Thursday. | Feb. 27, 2025 Lawson's attorneys believe a trial that plays out before they're ready could lead to a future appeal.

Nelson County judge makes special offer to Steve Lawson in attempt to keep trial on track

Judge Charles Simms offered to bring Steve Lawson to the courthouse every day between now and the trial date to review evidence “if that’s what it takes."

www.whas11.com

Hearing lasted less than 10 minutes

-- SL’s legal team continued their push to delay trial — they are reviewing discovery and have concerns about how overwhelming it is given appointment in August 2024.

-- SL is expected to go to trial May 27 in Warren County.

-- SL is charged in connection with the disappearance and murder of Crystal Rogers, in addition to charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.

-- Joseph Lawson (SL’s son) is facing the same charges and their former employer Brooks Houck is charged with murder.

-- SL will be tried independently from the other co-defendants in the case, Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck. Both (JL and BH) defendants are scheduled to be tried on June 24 in Warren County Justice Center.

Sorry - but I am not finding this article when I go to the link you provided. All I get are podcasts...
Is there a direct link to this article? Is there a next court date in there? TIA!

 

[Niner]

Lawyer for Crystal Rogers case suspect casts doubt he'll be ready for May trial

Rogers, who disappeared in 2015, is presumed dead.

spectrumnews1.com

Feb. 28, 2025
BARDSTOWN, Ky. — During a Feb. 27 status hearing, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms stressed the importance of staying on schedule for Steven Lawson’s May 27 trial date.
[.....]
In Nelson County Court, defense attorney Zach Buckler cautioned Simms that Steven Lawson is still reviewing the prosecution’s "discovery" materials.

“Mr. Lawson, as of August 2024, had not reviewed the two-terabyte discovery," Buckler said in court. "It appeared it had not been provided at that time, so we certainly have concerns about where Mr. Lawson is as it relates to his appraisal and comprehension of the discovery."

To keep Lawson on pace for a May trial, Simms offered Lawson space at the Nelson County Circuit Court to review any necessary materials leading up to trial.
[.....]
During Thursday's hearing, all parties agreed to schedule an additional status hearing Thursday, April 3 in Nelson County Circuit Court.

 

[arielilane]

Sorry - but I am not finding this article when I go to the link you provided. All I get are podcasts...
Is there a direct link to this article? Is there a next court date in there? TIA!

The link worked (still does) for me. Strange about the podcasts? idk, I cant explain it.

 

[arielilane]

Here's another article, not a whole lot of new news, though.

According to WBKO’s ABC affiliate in Louisville, Lawson’s status hearing lasted less than 10 minutes. Judge Simms denied his legal team’s request for another delay.

Judge denies request to delay trial in Crystal Rogers case

Lawson is one of three men expected to stand trial in connection with Rogers’ disappearance and murder.

www.wbko.com

Feb. 28, 2025

 

[Niner]

Here's another article, not a whole lot of new news, though.

According to WBKO’s ABC affiliate in Louisville, Lawson’s status hearing lasted less than 10 minutes. Judge Simms denied his legal team’s request for another delay.

Judge denies request to delay trial in Crystal Rogers case

Lawson is one of three men expected to stand trial in connection with Rogers’ disappearance and murder.

www.wbko.com

Feb. 28, 2025

This one did take me to an article - Thanks!

 

[Niner]

@arielilane - just wondering if there might be an update on some hearings for Houck & J. Lawson yet? TIA!

 

[arielilane]

@Niner, havent seen any hearings posted yet. Will keep checking. The site appears to be a pay site in order to view documents. jmo


HOUCK, BROOKS WILLIAM (D)

• NELSON : 23-CR-00309
COMMONWEALTH VS. HOUCK, BROOKS WILLIAM
*
Next JURY TRIAL is scheduled for 06/24/2025 at 09:00 AM in room C


HOUCK, BROOKS W. (D)

• NELSON : 23-CI-00649
BALLARD, SHERRY G. ET AL VS. HOUCK, BROOKS W.



LAWSON, JOSEPH L. (D)

• NELSON : 23-CR-00239
COMMONWEALTH VS. LAWSON, JOSEPH L.
*
Next JURY TRIAL is scheduled for 06/24/2025 at 09:00 AM in room C


Warren