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

[girlhasnoname]

Wish we could watch. I thought for sure we would since KY doesn't seem to have a problem with cameras in court...until this case!

This Judge said it was the first time he's disallowed media coverage in his Courtroom in 20 years and it was because it had turned into a 'circus like atmosphere'.

Sadly that is what has been happening in a lot of cases lately thanks to the unscrupulous YouTubers, Instagrammers, TikTokers and SM cranks in general. It's a shame, but I'd rather he err on the side of caution.

#Justice4Crystal

IMO

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Cameras won't be allowed in the courtroom, but WHAS11 will still provide extensive trial coverage.

WHAS11 Investigative Reporter Shay McAlister and Reporter Alexandra Goldberg will be in the courtroom taking handwritten notes to provide updates throughout the day.

You can find a daily court blog on WHAS11.com with all the latest updates straight from the courtroom

Crystal Rogers Case: Get extensive trial coverage on WHAS11

Get daily in-depth trial coverage in the Crystal Rogers case on WHAS11.

www.whas11.com

 

[Niner]

Cameras won't be allowed in the courtroom, but WHAS11 will still provide extensive trial coverage.

WHAS11 Investigative Reporter Shay McAlister and Reporter Alexandra Goldberg will be in the courtroom taking handwritten notes to provide updates throughout the day.

You can find a daily court blog on WHAS11.com with all the latest updates straight from the courtroom

Crystal Rogers Case: Get extensive trial coverage on WHAS11

Get daily in-depth trial coverage in the Crystal Rogers case on WHAS11.

www.whas11.com

Wish they had a written blog instead of this utube thing... trial will be going on while I sleep! Hopefully there will be tweets on what is going on too!

 

[Gigiky]

Cameras won't be allowed in the courtroom, but WHAS11 will still provide extensive trial coverage.

WHAS11 Investigative Reporter Shay McAlister and Reporter Alexandra Goldberg will be in the courtroom taking handwritten notes to provide updates throughout the day.

You can find a daily court blog on WHAS11.com with all the latest updates straight from the courtroom

Crystal Rogers Case: Get extensive trial coverage on WHAS11

Get daily in-depth trial coverage in the Crystal Rogers case on WHAS11.

www.whas11.com

Shay McAlister has been covering this case from the very beginning and does a wonderful job. JMO.

 

[Gigiky]

My husband and I used to like to go to Bardstown Ky. it's about a 40 minute drive for us, to a restaurant there called The Old Talbott Tavern. Wonderful food and great Atmosphere.
In 2019 we attended a prayer vigil for Crystal. It was a very moving event and too this day when I think of it I get a big lump in my throat. Prayers for the Ballard Family.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, June 24th:
*Jury Selection set to begin [for both] (@ am 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 43) 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. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) 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. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 with jury selection for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson.
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 & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 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
11/15/24 Update: Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review & setting a court date for Houck & Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled. Next motions hearing for Houck on 5/8/25.
5/8/25 Update: Houck appeared in court virtually Thursday as his defense attorneys & state prosecutors argued over what expert testimony will be used at his upcoming trial. Special prosecutor Shane Young filed a motion requesting the defense to provide more information on the testimony of the experts they plan to call at trial. The defense plans to call a retired detective to the stand to go over the timeline of the investigation done by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office & later, the FBI. Defense attorney Brian Butler said the detective won’t comment on any missteps the sheriff’s office may have taken early on & will instead give a general overview of the investigative process. The prosecution asked the judge to require the defense to give more details on the basis for that expert’s opinions, including specific examples within those interviews. The judge did not make a ruling on the prosecution’s motion at the end of Thursday’s hearing, saying he plans to make a decision in the coming days.
5/24/25 Update: A judge in the Houck trial has issued a key ruling on what jurors will hear from defense experts. The Defense has to disclose "ultimate opinions" of its experts. Judge said he wasn't limiting their opinions just to evidence on this case. Houck defense adds 4 expert witnesses.
6/6/25 Update: Judge issues courtroom restrictions are as follows: The court order says that while the public & press may observe the proceedings, access to them will be tightly controlled. Only court personnel will be allowed to record the trial. Live streaming, video & audio recordings by the media or public are not permitted. Jury selection set to begin on 6/24/25.
6/18/25 Update: Houck & J. Lawson have been transferred to the Warren County Regional Jail just one week before his trial in the Crystals case.
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) – Trial set to begin on 5/27/25 & ended on 5/30/25. Found GUILTY of all charges. Sentencing hearing on 8/6/25.

 

[girlhasnoname]

Tuesday, June 24th:
*Jury Selection set to begin [for both] (@ am 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 43) 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. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) 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. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 with jury selection for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson.
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 & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 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
11/15/24 Update: Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review & setting a court date for Houck & Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled. Next motions hearing for Houck on 5/8/25.
5/8/25 Update: Houck appeared in court virtually Thursday as his defense attorneys & state prosecutors argued over what expert testimony will be used at his upcoming trial. Special prosecutor Shane Young filed a motion requesting the defense to provide more information on the testimony of the experts they plan to call at trial. The defense plans to call a retired detective to the stand to go over the timeline of the investigation done by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office & later, the FBI. Defense attorney Brian Butler said the detective won’t comment on any missteps the sheriff’s office may have taken early on & will instead give a general overview of the investigative process. The prosecution asked the judge to require the defense to give more details on the basis for that expert’s opinions, including specific examples within those interviews. The judge did not make a ruling on the prosecution’s motion at the end of Thursday’s hearing, saying he plans to make a decision in the coming days.
5/24/25 Update: A judge in the Houck trial has issued a key ruling on what jurors will hear from defense experts. The Defense has to disclose "ultimate opinions" of its experts. Judge said he wasn't limiting their opinions just to evidence on this case. Houck defense adds 4 expert witnesses.
6/6/25 Update: Judge issues courtroom restrictions are as follows: The court order says that while the public & press may observe the proceedings, access to them will be tightly controlled. Only court personnel will be allowed to record the trial. Live streaming, video & audio recordings by the media or public are not permitted. Jury selection set to begin on 6/24/25.
6/18/25 Update: Houck & J. Lawson have been transferred to the Warren County Regional Jail just one week before his trial in the Crystals case.
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) – Trial set to begin on 5/27/25 & ended on 5/30/25. Found GUILTY of all charges. Sentencing hearing on 8/6/25.

Jury selection begins today. It's beyond time for this trial to begin.

#Justice4Crystal

 

[justtrish]

Jury selection begins today. It's beyond time for this trial to begin.

#Justice4Crystal

Yes, it's time for justice!

 

[Emi]

Please move this to on-going trials threads

 

[Emi]

From WHAS11​

Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates​

11:51 a.m.
Attorneys will soon start questioning jurors to narrow down the jury pool.
The majority of potential jurors, around 55 people, had heard about Rogers' case, but didn't know specifics or have an opinion. Approximately 33 people knew nothing of the case.
The first jurors to be questioned are the roughly 30 people who knew specifics of the case but hadn't formed an opinion.

Credit: Sydney Young
Court sketch of Judge Charles Simms. | June 24, 2025
11:12 a.m.
The jury pool is made up of 132 people. Each potential juror is being given a questionnaire regarding their knowledge of the Crystal Rogers case.
The juror were instructed to circle one of the following responses:

• Never heard of it, no opinion.
• Heard of the case but no specifics, no opinion.
• Have heard of it, know specifics, no opinion.
• Have heard of the case, know specifics, and have have an opinion.

Based on how jurors respond, court staff are separating their responses into different groups.
Ultimately, 15 jurors will be chosen to hear the case, but only 12 will make the final jury. The other three will be dismissed as alternates prior to deliberations.

11 a.m.
Every seat in the 100-seat courtroom is full.
Brooks Houck is wearing a blue button-down shirt. Joseph Lawson is in a black button-down.
The jury pool is made up of construction workers, mechanics, men and women, both young and old.
Similar to Steve Lawson's trial, media and family members are watching jury selection from another room in the courthouse.
Judge Charles Simms told potential jurors the trial is expected to last 10 days, through July 8.
10:32 a.m.
Members of Brooks Houck's family are also present in the courtroom, including his son Eli, his sister and mother's boyfriend, although his mother Rosemary Houck was notably missing from court on Tuesday.
During Steve Lawson's trial in May, Special Prosecutor Shane Young named Rosemary Houck, alongside Brooks' brother, Nick Houck, as "unindicted co-conspirators" who are still under investigation.

Credit: Jessica Farley, WHAS11 News
Brooks Houck's family enter the courtroom as his trial in Crystal Rogers' death begins. His mom, Rosemary Houck, was notably missing. | June 24, 2025
Rosemary Houck has been present at many of her son's pre-trial hearings in Bardstown.
Houck's mom owns the family’s farm, a 245-acre property on Paschal Ballard Lane, which is located about nine miles south of downtown Bardstown.

The farm is the last place Rogers was seen alive on July 3, 2015, according to police. It’s been searched several times for evidence.
9:31 a.m.
Crystal Rogers' family and friends entered the courthouse silently showing their support wearing a sea of pink.

Credit: Jessica Farley, WHAS11 News
Sherry Ballard, Crystal Rogers' mom, speaks with WHAS11 Investigative Reporter Shay McAlister outside the Warren County courthouse. | June 24, 2025
9 a.m.
Jury selection has started. With two defendants facing a jury together, things will look a little different.
The prosecution will present a combined case explaining how the two defendants worked together in the crime.
For most of the trial, the prosecution will be lumping Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson together, according to WHAS11 legal analyst Nick Mudd. But when it comes to jury deliberations, each defendant will come with his own set of jury instructions.
Houck and Joseph Lawson's trial was separated from Steve Lawson's due to his statements against his son Joseph and former employer Houck. The judge called the statements "wildly inconsistent."
Attorneys for Houck and Joseph Lawson also argued they would not be able to cross examine Steve Lawson if he was tried with the other co-defendants, so the judge separated Steve Lawson's trial.

 

[Emi]

Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates​

12:55 p.m.
Judge Charles Simms questioned the jury pool first after they were divided into groups based on their questionnaire responses. He wanted to know of those who knew about the case, where did they learn about it from.
Some of the jurors said they've driven past the billboard on the Bluegrass Parkway, others heard about it from local news outlets, their spouses, co-workers, people at church, and social media.
One man said after he was selected for jury duty in this trial, his co-worker mentioned WHAS11's Bardstown podcast.
Some of the potential jurors have already been excused, including a local sports anchor who heard discussion of the case in his newsroom, and a woman who heard about Steve Lawson's conviction in the news and admitted to being "a little sensitive and emotional," which she said could impact her decision.

 

[Emi]

2:30 p.m.
Court has returned from lunch, now attorneys will begin questioning the potential jurors.
1:47 p.m.
Court has recessed for lunch.
Jury selection will continue at 1:30 p.m. CT.

 

[Emi]

All of this is from WHAS11​

Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates​

3:42 p.m.
Prosecutor Shane Young excused another potential juror who worked a third shift.
Houck's attorney, Brian Butler, then addressed the jury referencing other major criminal cases, including the recent Karen Read trial, in which the suspects were proven not guilty at trial.
Butler emphasized that "jumping to conclusions doesn't always lead to the right decision."
He then wanted to know if any jurors worked in legal fields, in computer technology, or in law enforcement.
Butler also talked about the nature of Houck's murder charge as a "domestic violence incident," and asked if any jurors experienced domestic violence.
Three jurors raised their hand, but only one was excused because they said their experience would impact their decision.

3:20 p.m.
Following a lunch recess, 39 potential jurors were called, these people will be questioned to find 15 to sit on the jury.
We also learned more about some of the witnesses who may be called to the stand during the trial.
Some of those witnesses testified during Steve Lawson's trial including former Nelson County detective Jon Snow; former Nelson County sheriff Ed Mattingly; and Stacie Cranmer and Charlie Girdley, former employees for Brooks Houck.
Special Prosecutor Shane Young asked jurors several questions, including whether they didn't want to be on the trial at all.
One woman said she has a friend who's son was murdered and being on the jury would be "very hard." She was excused.
Young then asked if the jurors understood what "circumstantial evidence" is, to which some had questions.
As expected, he said the prosecution's case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, which includes cell phone records, surveillance video, witness testimony or other tools.

 

[Emi]

4:46 p.m.
Brian Butler, Houck's attorney, continued questioning jurors. He excused another juror who had a family member killed in a violent crime.
Butler also asked if jurors could look beyond the emotion in the courtroom saying there will be people on ether side of the gallery who will care deeply for one side either way.
Joseph Lawson's attorney, Kevin Coleman, was then able to address potential jurors. He asked if they would be comfortable sentencing Lawson, if convicted, to a minimum or maximum sentence.
Attorneys have since wrapped their questioning. They will now begin striking jurors to whittle the jury down to 15 people.
Opening statements are expected to begin on Wednesday.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

"How do you know the victim is dead?" one juror asked.

"That's for me to prove," Young replied.

Judge Charles Simms III wants to select 15 jurors — 12 jurors and three alternates — and began Tuesday by separating the 132-person pool into four groups based on the following questions:

1. I have never heard about the case
2. I have heard about the case, don't know any specifics and haven't formed an opinion
3. I have heard about the case, know some specifics and haven't formed an opinion
4. I have heard about the case, know some specifics and have formed an opinion

Around 11 a.m. Tuesday, about 30 people from group No. 1 were asked to come back at 2:30 p.m. EDT. About 45 people from group No. 2 were sent to the jury room. About 20 people from group No. 3 were told to come back at 12:30 p.m. And about 24 people from group No. 4 were asked to come back at 2:30 p.m.

Three potential jurors mentioned their knowledge of the case stems from driving past a billboard on the Bluegrass Parkway. Before lunch, a total of three potential jurors had been excused. One of those was a Bowling Green TV anchor/reporter who expressed doubt about his or her impartiality.

Trial Blog | Expert contradicts Brooks Houck's timeline the day Crystal Rogers disappeared

The Crystal Rogers murder trial is being closely watched across Kentucky and the country.

www.wdrb.com

 

[Emi]

Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates​

5:41 p.m.
A jury has been chosen for the second murder trial in the Crystal Rogers case.
Court has adjourned for the day. The jury will return for opening statements at 8:30 a.m. CT.
4:46 p.m.
Brian Butler, Houck's attorney, continued questioning jurors. He excused another juror who had a family member killed in a violent crime.
Butler also asked if jurors could look beyond the emotion in the courtroom saying there will be people on ether side of the gallery who will care deeply for one side either way.

Credit: WHAS11 News
Attorney Kevin Coleman looks at his laptop in the Nelson County courtroom. Coleman represents Joseph Lawson. | Feb. 8, 2024
Joseph Lawson's attorney,

 

[justtrish]

Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates​

5:41 p.m.
A jury has been chosen for the second murder trial in the Crystal Rogers case.
Court has adjourned for the day. The jury will return for opening statements at 8:30 a.m. CT.
4:46 p.m.
Brian Butler, Houck's attorney, continued questioning jurors. He excused another juror who had a family member killed in a violent crime.
Butler also asked if jurors could look beyond the emotion in the courtroom saying there will be people on ether side of the gallery who will care deeply for one side either way.

View attachment 597776Credit: WHAS11 News
Attorney Kevin Coleman looks at his laptop in the Nelson County courtroom. Coleman represents Joseph Lawson. | Feb. 8, 2024
Joseph Lawson's attorney,

Wow that is great news! It only took 1 day for a jury to be seated.

 

[Gigiky]

I'm so glad the jury selection was wrapped up today. I really thought it might take a while.
I pray that both of these individuals are convicted and given the max sentences allowable.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Joedy Gilliland is a former lead detective locally in the Crystal Rogers case before the FBI officially took it over.

“They've charged him, but now we got to prove it. You only get one shot at it," Gilliland told WHAS11 on Tuesday in Bardstown, as jury selection began in Bowling Green.

For two years, he helped sift through the many tips sent to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office,. Now he, like so many across the picturesque town, have put up the pink signs reading "Prayers for Crystal," symbolizing the Team Crystal movement.

“I feel nervous. I'm antsy, you know? I mean a lot of us, we just want the truth, and we want to know what happened," he said.

Bardstown prays as Houck trial unfolds: 'It's still like it just happened'

“They've charged him, but now we got to prove it. You only get one shot at it," Joedy Gilliland said.

www.whas11.com

JURY POOL. The 132 member jury pool was questioned first by Nelson Circuit Court Charles Simms, and later the prosecutors and defense attorneys. The goal was to come up with 12 impartial jurors and 3 alternates to hear case against Houck and Lawson.

Houck, dressed in a light blue shirt, showed no emotion from his seat at the defense table as jury questioning continued throughout the day. He briefly introduced himself to the jurors when prompted by one of his defense attorneys.

Special Prosecutor Shane Young’s questions to jurors focused on their ability to believe someone guilty of murder — even if there was never a body found and evidence in the case was primarily circumstantial

Houck update: Jury selected, opening arguments Wednesday morning

By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio Tuesday, June 24, 2025 -- Jury selection was completed today, the first day of the Brooks Houck murder trial in the Warren County Justice Center in Bowling Green. Houck is charged with murder and tampering with evidence, charges...

nelsoncountygazette.com

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, June 25th:
*Trial set to begin [for both] (@ am 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 43) 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. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) 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. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 & ended on 6/24/25 with jury selection for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson. Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial set to begin on 6/25/25. 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 & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 thru 6/18/25 reference post #806 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-41
6/24/25 Tuesday, Jury Selection Day 1: For most of the trial, the prosecution will be lumping Houck & Lawson together. But when it comes to jury deliberations, each defendant will come with his own set of jury instructions. The jury pool is made up of 132 people. Each potential juror is being given a questionnaire regarding their knowledge of the Crystal Rogers case. Attorneys started questioning jurors to narrow down the jury pool. The majority of potential jurors, around 55 people, had heard about Rogers' case, but didn't know specifics or have an opinion. Approximately 33 people knew nothing of the case. The first jurors to be questioned are the roughly 30 people who knew specifics of the case but hadn't formed an opinion. The jury pool is made up of construction workers, mechanics, men and women, both young and old. Ultimately, 15 jurors will be chosen to hear the case, but only 12 will make the final jury. The other three will be dismissed as alternates prior to deliberations. Judge Charles Simms told potential jurors the trial is expected to last 10 days, through July 8. See post #810, page 41,, thread #4 for more info. Jury has been selected. Judge Simms told the jurors he expects the trial to last 10 days — four days this week, four days next week and the first two days of the week following the 4th of July weekend. The trial begins at 8:30am. Wednesday, 6/25/25, with opening statements by prosecutors & the defense teams for Houck & Lawson.
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) – Trial began on 5/27/25 & ended on 5/30/25. Found GUILTY of conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence charges. Sentencing hearing on 8/6/25.