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GUILTY KY - Crystal Rogers, 35, Bluegrass Parkway, 3 July 2015 #4 *arrest in 2023* Brooks Houck on Trial
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No trial today? It is about 2:30pm there right?
The trial is going on today.
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Yes, it is going on today. I've seen several updates from Shay.
Edited to add: I just saw that the defense has rested their case.
BLOG: Women's clothing found under driveway as police searched for evidence in Crystal Rogers case, expert says
Electronics aren't allowed in court, but our crews are taking handwritten notes to provide updates throughout the day.
www.whas11.com
Credit: WHAS11 News
Get the most in-depth, daily trial coverage in the Crystal Rogers case on WHAS11.
Bardstown
BLOG: Women's clothing found under driveway as police searched for evidence in Crystal Rogers case, expert says
Electronics aren't allowed in court, but our crews are taking handwritten notes to provide updates throughout the day.
Author: Shay McAlister, Alexandra Goldberg, Joseph Garcia
Published: 8:30 AM EDT July 3, 2025
Updated: 3:51 PM EDT July 3, 2025
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Thursday marks ten years since Bardstown mom Crystal Rogers was last seen alive.
Family reported Rogers missing over the Fourth of July weekend in 2015. Now a decade later, attorneys for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are working to convince a jury in Warren County they weren't involved in her death.
RECAP: 3 biggest takeaways from Day 6 of second murder trial in Crystal Rogers case
Houck, Rogers' ex-boyfriend, is charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence.
Lawson is charged with conspiracy to murder and tampering with physical evidence in Rogers' death. His father and co-defendant, Steve Lawson, was convicted of similar charges in May.
Credit: WHAS11 News
Join Shay McAlister, Alexandra Goldberg, Doug Proffitt, and WHAS11 legal analyst Nick Mudd for daily updates in the Crystal Rogers case.
TONIGHT ON WHAS11+: Tune in at 9 p.m. ET for special trial coverage in the Crystal Rogers case with Shay McAlister, Alexandra Goldberg, and Doug Proffitt, as well as insight from WHAS11 legal analyst Nick Mudd.
Electronics aren't allowed in court, but our crews are taking handwritten notes to provide updates here throughout the day.
Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates
3:41 p.m.
Court has adjourned for the day. There will be no trial on Friday due to the holiday, so the jury returns at 9 a.m. CT, 10 a.m. ET on Monday to begin hearing closing arguments. But attorneys will be in court starting at 8:45 a.m. CT.
During cross-examination of the defense's last witness, Prosecutor Shane Young asked about the hair found in Whitesides' car and the items found under the property in Woodlawn Springs.
The witness clarified there was no DNA profile found on the items.
Young asked if it was possible to kill someone and without there being any bodily fluids. Butler said, yes, it's possible.
"The theory is that she was murdered there [at the Houck farm]," Butler added. "And my experience with homicides, is that homicides leave trace evidence...I think anything is possible but it's highly unlikely."
In a redirect, Houck's attorney Brian Butler had the witness explicitly testify that shooting, stabbing, suffocating someone leaves blood or defensive wounds.
The jury had several questions for the last witness, including one who asked how rain, fire and time would impact DNA or trace evidence. Butler said rain would dilute any DNA and time would have a number of variables that could impact whether trace evidence is found or usable.
After the jury's questions, the defense rested its case.
Prior to court ending Thursday, the defense filed motions again for directed verdict but Judge Charles Simms again denied the motions.
Houck's attorney said his closing argument should take around two hours, while Joseph Lawson's attorney said his closing could take around 30 minutes to an hour.
1:21 p.m.
The defense's next witness is Denver Butler, a former detective and police expert. He's reviewed documents in the entire Crystal Rogers case, including the various searches for evidence.
He said there's no DNA evidence of Steve or Joseph Lawson in Rogers' car that he can see. Although there were two hairs that were found, Butler said those hairs should have been tested.
Butler then went through the searches of Houck's home and truck, Nick Houck's police car, and multiple searches of the Houck family farm. In all those searches, no evidence was found.
He said there were stains on the carpet in the trunk of Anna Whitesides' white Buick, but there was no evidence of blood.
Credit: WHAS
Drone video shows police search a property in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision in 2021. Police found "items of interest."
We did learn surprising new details about a previous police search, however.
In 2021, authorities searched a property in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision and "items of interest" were found under a driveway. On the stand, Butler said that's the only time police found anything during a search.
He said authorities found women's underwear under the driveway, along with hairs. Women's clothing was also found under the sidewalk, however Rogers' DNA was not found on any of the items, Butler testified.
The court has recessed for a lunch break until around 1:20 p.m. CT, or 2:20 p.m. ET.
12:21 p.m.
Be sure to join WHAS11's Alexandra Goldberg at 1 p.m. ET for a midday trial update. She'll provide a brief recap of what's happened so far during this morning's testimony.
12:07 p.m.
Neuschatz also testified police used coercive tactics in Heather Snellen's police interview. She was Steve Lawson's ex-wife.
During cross-examination, Prosecutor Shane Young asked if Snellen was given any benefits for what she testified in court, which the psychologist said she wasn't.
Young said Snellen was scared of the Lawsons, which Neuschatz said would impact her ability to tell the truth.
The prosecutor then explained how interviews and interrogations are different. He said during an interrogation, investigators can cut off the witness, tell them evidence they have against them, adding that although they aren't pleasant, many suspects don't tell the truth right away and all of this is "accepted by court."
"Your definition of coercion doesn't always square with the law," Young said.
"Correct," the psychologist testified.
"These kinds of interrogation can provide true statements, correct?" Young asked.
"Correct," Neuschatz said.
Young notes that statements made on the stand weren't made in a coercive environment, which the expert agrees with.
Neuschatz testified that he only reviewed statements from Girdley and Snellen, so Young read off the rest of the more than two dozen witnesses who've testified.
In a redirect, Houck's attorney Brian Butler asked the psychologist to explain why coercive interrogation tactics are problematic to get the truth.
"They lead people to give statements that are in line with what they're being asked to do instead of what's accurate," Neuschatz said.
One juror had a question for the expert, asking if a witness voluntarily goes to police and they're there for four hours, could that impact their memory?
"Yes," he responded.
10:53 a.m.
The defense's fifth witness is Jeffrey Neuschatz, a cognitive psychologist. He said he has been paid $10,000 so far to testify.
Neuschatz said interview tactics police used to gather information from some of the prosecution's witnesses were coercive.
"Memory doesn't work like a VCR," he said. "When you take in a complex event, you take in bits and pieces and then fill in the blanks."
Houck's attorney Brian Butler asked how media coverage can impact a person's recollection of an event. Neuschatz said a lot of people see that coverage as a credible source.
Credit: Sydney Young
Jeffrey Neuschatz, a cognitive psychologist, testifies to interrogation tactics police used to interview the prosecution's witnesses. | July 3, 2025
According to the defense, Kentucky State Police investigators took REID technique training in August 2022. Critics argue its one of the most coercive interrogation tactics. The training says there should be "no promises of leniency."
The defense argued research shows the biggest risks for a false statement is an interrogation that lasts more than two to four hours. Similar research also recommends investigators don't feed information to those they're questioning.
The REID technique says the only way you get a false statement or confession is if you don't follow the nine steps.
Girdley, a former Houck employee, testified Steve Lawson approached him about Houck wanting to get rid of Rogers. He later made shocking claims that Joseph Lawson said he would "pull out her teeth and the hogs would do the rest."
Girdley had been detained for ten hours before being interviewed for four hours, Butler noted. He said the defense counted "50 touches" on his shoulder or knee. Butler sayys those shows of affection during the interview are wrong because the investigators aren't supposed to act as a friend.
Credit: Sydney Young
Charlie Girdley's KSP interview is played in court during second murder trial in Crystal Rogers case. | July 3, 2025
He then recounted several statements the investigators made to Girdley, including:
- "We can do a lot to help you."
- "We can do a lot for you."
- "I already know what I'm looking for."
- "You're not the person I'm after."
- "We want you on our team."
- "We can help you today."
- "The opportunities are going away."
- "The deal of a lifetime."
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I have ZERO regard for his comfort in the interview room.BLOG: Women's clothing found under driveway as police searched for evidence in Crystal Rogers case, expert says
Electronics aren't allowed in court, but our crews are taking handwritten notes to provide updates throughout the day.
Credit: WHAS11 News
Get the most in-depth, daily trial coverage in the Crystal Rogers case on WHAS11.
Bardstown
BLOG: Women's clothing found under driveway as police searched for evidence in Crystal Rogers case, expert says
Electronics aren't allowed in court, but our crews are taking handwritten notes to provide updates throughout the day.
Author: Shay McAlister, Alexandra Goldberg, Joseph Garcia
Published: 8:30 AM EDT July 3, 2025
Updated: 3:51 PM EDT July 3, 2025
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Thursday marks ten years since Bardstown mom Crystal Rogers was last seen alive.
Family reported Rogers missing over the Fourth of July weekend in 2015. Now a decade later, attorneys for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are working to convince a jury in Warren County they weren't involved in her death.
RECAP: 3 biggest takeaways from Day 6 of second murder trial in Crystal Rogers case
Houck, Rogers' ex-boyfriend, is charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence.
Lawson is charged with conspiracy to murder and tampering with physical evidence in Rogers' death. His father and co-defendant, Steve Lawson, was convicted of similar charges in May.
Credit: WHAS11 News
Join Shay McAlister, Alexandra Goldberg, Doug Proffitt, and WHAS11 legal analyst Nick Mudd for daily updates in the Crystal Rogers case.
TONIGHT ON WHAS11+: Tune in at 9 p.m. ET for special trial coverage in the Crystal Rogers case with Shay McAlister, Alexandra Goldberg, and Doug Proffitt, as well as insight from WHAS11 legal analyst Nick Mudd.
Electronics aren't allowed in court, but our crews are taking handwritten notes to provide updates here throughout the day.
Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates
3:41 p.m.
Court has adjourned for the day. There will be no trial on Friday due to the holiday, so the jury returns at 9 a.m. CT, 10 a.m. ET on Monday to begin hearing closing arguments. But attorneys will be in court starting at 8:45 a.m. CT.
During cross-examination of the defense's last witness, Prosecutor Shane Young asked about the hair found in Whitesides' car and the items found under the property in Woodlawn Springs.
The witness clarified there was no DNA profile found on the items.
Young asked if it was possible to kill someone and without there being any bodily fluids. Butler said, yes, it's possible.
"The theory is that she was murdered there [at the Houck farm]," Butler added. "And my experience with homicides, is that homicides leave trace evidence...I think anything is possible but it's highly unlikely."
In a redirect, Houck's attorney Brian Butler had the witness explicitly testify that shooting, stabbing, suffocating someone leaves blood or defensive wounds.
The jury had several questions for the last witness, including one who asked how rain, fire and time would impact DNA or trace evidence. Butler said rain would dilute any DNA and time would have a number of variables that could impact whether trace evidence is found or usable.
After the jury's questions, the defense rested its case.
Prior to court ending Thursday, the defense filed motions again for directed verdict but Judge Charles Simms again denied the motions.
Houck's attorney said his closing argument should take around two hours, while Joseph Lawson's attorney said his closing could take around 30 minutes to an hour.
1:21 p.m.
The defense's next witness is Denver Butler, a former detective and police expert. He's reviewed documents in the entire Crystal Rogers case, including the various searches for evidence.
He said there's no DNA evidence of Steve or Joseph Lawson in Rogers' car that he can see. Although there were two hairs that were found, Butler said those hairs should have been tested.
Butler then went through the searches of Houck's home and truck, Nick Houck's police car, and multiple searches of the Houck family farm. In all those searches, no evidence was found.
He said there were stains on the carpet in the trunk of Anna Whitesides' white Buick, but there was no evidence of blood.
View attachment 599545
Credit: WHAS
Drone video shows police search a property in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision in 2021. Police found "items of interest."
We did learn surprising new details about a previous police search, however.
In 2021, authorities searched a property in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision and "items of interest" were found under a driveway. On the stand, Butler said that's the only time police found anything during a search.
He said authorities found women's underwear under the driveway, along with hairs. Women's clothing was also found under the sidewalk, however Rogers' DNA was not found on any of the items, Butler testified.
The court has recessed for a lunch break until around 1:20 p.m. CT, or 2:20 p.m. ET.
12:21 p.m.
Be sure to join WHAS11's Alexandra Goldberg at 1 p.m. ET for a midday trial update. She'll provide a brief recap of what's happened so far during this morning's testimony.
12:07 p.m.
Neuschatz also testified police used coercive tactics in Heather Snellen's police interview. She was Steve Lawson's ex-wife.
During cross-examination, Prosecutor Shane Young asked if Snellen was given any benefits for what she testified in court, which the psychologist said she wasn't.
Young said Snellen was scared of the Lawsons, which Neuschatz said would impact her ability to tell the truth.
The prosecutor then explained how interviews and interrogations are different. He said during an interrogation, investigators can cut off the witness, tell them evidence they have against them, adding that although they aren't pleasant, many suspects don't tell the truth right away and all of this is "accepted by court."
"Your definition of coercion doesn't always square with the law," Young said.
"Correct," the psychologist testified.
"These kinds of interrogation can provide true statements, correct?" Young asked.
"Correct," Neuschatz said.
Young notes that statements made on the stand weren't made in a coercive environment, which the expert agrees with.
Neuschatz testified that he only reviewed statements from Girdley and Snellen, so Young read off the rest of the more than two dozen witnesses who've testified.
In a redirect, Houck's attorney Brian Butler asked the psychologist to explain why coercive interrogation tactics are problematic to get the truth.
"They lead people to give statements that are in line with what they're being asked to do instead of what's accurate," Neuschatz said.
One juror had a question for the expert, asking if a witness voluntarily goes to police and they're there for four hours, could that impact their memory?
"Yes," he responded.
10:53 a.m.
The defense's fifth witness is Jeffrey Neuschatz, a cognitive psychologist. He said he has been paid $10,000 so far to testify.
Neuschatz said interview tactics police used to gather information from some of the prosecution's witnesses were coercive.
"Memory doesn't work like a VCR," he said. "When you take in a complex event, you take in bits and pieces and then fill in the blanks."
Houck's attorney Brian Butler asked how media coverage can impact a person's recollection of an event. Neuschatz said a lot of people see that coverage as a credible source.
View attachment 599550
Credit: Sydney Young
Jeffrey Neuschatz, a cognitive psychologist, testifies to interrogation tactics police used to interview the prosecution's witnesses. | July 3, 2025
According to the defense, Kentucky State Police investigators took REID technique training in August 2022. Critics argue its one of the most coercive interrogation tactics. The training says there should be "no promises of leniency."
The defense argued research shows the biggest risks for a false statement is an interrogation that lasts more than two to four hours. Similar research also recommends investigators don't feed information to those they're questioning.
The REID technique says the only way you get a false statement or confession is if you don't follow the nine steps.
Girdley, a former Houck employee, testified Steve Lawson approached him about Houck wanting to get rid of Rogers. He later made shocking claims that Joseph Lawson said he would "pull out her teeth and the hogs would do the rest."
Girdley had been detained for ten hours before being interviewed for four hours, Butler noted. He said the defense counted "50 touches" on his shoulder or knee. Butler sayys those shows of affection during the interview are wrong because the investigators aren't supposed to act as a friend.
View attachment 599555
Credit: Sydney Young
Charlie Girdley's KSP interview is played in court during second murder trial in Crystal Rogers case. | July 3, 2025
He then recounted several statements the investigators made to Girdley, including:
Neuschatz said those types of statements aren't acceptable and found a lot of problems throughout the interview.
- "We can do a lot to help you."
- "We can do a lot for you."
- "I already know what I'm looking for."
- "You're not the person I'm after."
- "We want you on our team."
- "We can help you today."
- "The opportunities are going away."
- "The deal of a lifetime."
But this, this jumped off the page at me-- the clothing LE recovered did not have Crustal's DNA on them. If they're not hers, whose were they?????
Someone else may have disappeared the same way --
Some kind of sick commune.
JMO
Elsewhere locals are wondering whether the clothes found may have been Crystal’s big night out clothing that she never got to wear. Idk why someone else’s clothes would be buried beneath a driveway and sidewalk but this may also be another sick game these Houck boys played. Or a diversion as in look here not there. I am wondering where Brooks and Nick’s dad was buried and when. I suppose she too could have been moved. These two are up to their eye balls in murder and who knows what else. Hopefully time will tell.
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I would have asked if ANY DNA was found on them. Just because Crystal's was not found doesn't mean that anyone else's was either. I think being buried and being that old maybe it wasn't usable DNA or they were unable to determine who the clothing belonged to.
^^^^^^^ this, yes. (bbm)
I live in KY. Don't know about any "good ole boy" system, but BH does have a VERY good Attorney.
That's got me worried. But I'm trying to remain positive since they found SL guilty, but then I don't know if they jurors know that info. I'm thinking they don't. The way things have gone in the BK and
P. Diddy cases I'm just left SMH. All JMO.
They could not talk about the SL case/conviction otherwise it would be a mistrial. The jurors are not supposed to know about the SL case/conviction but I guess we don’t really know if they heard about it ahead of time.
I have been following this case since 2016 and I’m always holding out hope they find her and can bring her home to her family. I want justice for her very badly; however, I worry that there may not have been enough to prove “murder beyond reasonable doubt.” His attorneys are very good, like you mentioned.
So many searches and no DNA; no forensic evidence; no text messages…I just wish they had found something!
Very nervous/anxious for the next few days and I wonder what will happen next.
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Monday, July 7th:
*Trial continues (Day 8)-CLOSING ARGUMENTS! [for both] (@ 10am 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. Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 6/25/25 & prosecutors rested their case on 7/1/25. Defense started their case on 7/2/25 & ended 7/3/25. Trial held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Assistant Prosecutor Jim Lesousky. Houck’s defense attorneys Steven Schroering, 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 & Jury Selection (6/24/25) & Trial Day 1-6 (6/25 to 7/2/25) reference post #900 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-45
7/3/25 Thursday, Trial Day 7: Defense witnesses: Jeffrey Neuschatz, a cognitive psychologist. Denver Butler, a former detective & police expert. The defense rested its case. Prior to court ending Thursday, the defense filed motions again for directed verdict but Judge Charles Simms again denied the motions. Houck's attorney said his closing argument should take around two hours, while Joseph Lawson's attorney said his closing could take around 30 minutes to an hour. {see post #906, page 46].
*Judge Charles Simms said the defense's witness testimony will continue Thursday, with closing arguments on Monday & jury deliberations starting as soon as next Tuesday. Trial continues on Monday, 7/7/25 @ 10am.
*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.
*Trial continues (Day 8)-CLOSING ARGUMENTS! [for both] (@ 10am 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. Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 6/25/25 & prosecutors rested their case on 7/1/25. Defense started their case on 7/2/25 & ended 7/3/25. Trial held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Assistant Prosecutor Jim Lesousky. Houck’s defense attorneys Steven Schroering, 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 & Jury Selection (6/24/25) & Trial Day 1-6 (6/25 to 7/2/25) reference post #900 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-45
7/3/25 Thursday, Trial Day 7: Defense witnesses: Jeffrey Neuschatz, a cognitive psychologist. Denver Butler, a former detective & police expert. The defense rested its case. Prior to court ending Thursday, the defense filed motions again for directed verdict but Judge Charles Simms again denied the motions. Houck's attorney said his closing argument should take around two hours, while Joseph Lawson's attorney said his closing could take around 30 minutes to an hour. {see post #906, page 46].
*Judge Charles Simms said the defense's witness testimony will continue Thursday, with closing arguments on Monday & jury deliberations starting as soon as next Tuesday. Trial continues on Monday, 7/7/25 @ 10am.
*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.
Court adjourned | Attorneys wrap closing arguments for 2nd trial in Crystal Rogers case
"If Crystal Rogers did not come home, this man is guilty of murder," Prosecutor Shane Young argued. "I don't know who killed her, but I can tell you who's involved."
www.whas11.com
Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates
11:15 a.m.Joseph Lawson's attorney Robert Boyd has finished giving his closing argument, taking about an hour to complete.
He argued there's been little evidence presented during trial that tied Lawson to Rogers' disappearance. He said during the prosecution's opening statements jurors heard more about Steve Lawson, Rosemary Houck , and Nick Houck more than Joseph Lawson. He argued his client wasn't mentioned until the third day of testimony.
"You probably forgot we were on trial over the last several weeks," Boyd said.
Credit: Sydney Young
Robert Boyd, Joseph Lawson's attorney, delivers closing arguments to the jury. | July 7, 2025
Boyd said Joseph Lawson is the only possible link between Brooks and Steve Lawson during that 13 second phone call around midnight on July 3, 2015.
"To believe this theory you have to believe Brooks Houck would trust the important job of moving the car to a severe alcoholic and his alcoholic, drug using son," Boyd added. "That sophisticated business man did not hire these fools to do that."
Boyd said Heather Snellen, Steve Lawson's ex-wife, contacted Joseph Lawson to find out where he was on July 3 because he was living out of his car, no phone or bank statements, no way to know where he was on a random night July 2015.
"Joey had nothing to do with [Rogers'] murder, nothing to do with the Houck farm, nothing to do with her car," Boyd added. "You cannot replace outrage with evidence. Do not fall victim to that."
10 a.m.
The jury has returned to the courtroom.
Earlier this morning, attorneys met with the judge to finalize jury instructions. These instructions contain the law concerning each defendant's charges and the jury will use these instructions as a guide during deliberations.
9:41 a.m.
Rosemary Houck, Brooks Houck's mom, is in the courtroom today.
She has been absent for almost all of her son's murder trial, throughout which, prosecutors have accused Rosemary of being an "unindicted co-conspirator" in Rogers' case.
Rhonda McIlvoy, Brooks Houck's sister who testified last week, is also present in the courtroom.
Credit: Jessica Farley, WHAS11 News
Rosemary Houck enters the courtroom as closing arguments begin Monday in her son's murder trial in the Crystal Rogers case. | July 7, 2025
8:30 a.m.
The prosecution and defense will be in court at 8:15 a.m. CT, or 9:15 a.m. ET to discuss any last minute objections and finalize jury instructions.
Jurors will return to court at 9 a.m. CT, or 10 a.m. ET to begin hearing closing arguments.
Houck's attorney, Brian Butler, expects his closing to take around two hours, while Lawson's attorney, Kevin Coleman, said his closing should take around 30 minutes to an hour.
It's unclear how long prosecutors will take for closing arguments.
Credit: Sydney Young
A sketch of the 15-person jury in the second Crystal Rogers murder trial. | June 26, 2025
Last week, Judge Charles Simms said he expects the jury to begin deliberations on Tuesday.
Right now, the jury is made up of 15 people but only 12 will be on the final jury. Three jurors will be chosen randomly as alternates and dismissed prior to deliberations.
Court adjourned | Attorneys wrap closing arguments for 2nd trial in Crystal Rogers case
"If Crystal Rogers did not come home, this man is guilty of murder," Prosecutor Shane Young argued. "I don't know who killed her, but I can tell you who's involved."
www.whas11.com
Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates
1:10 p.m.Court has recessed for a lunch break. The jury returns at 1:10 p.m. CT, or 2:10 p.m. ET.
Houck's attorney Brian Butler will continue with his closing argument after the lunch break. He previously said his closing would take around two hours.
So far, Butler has gone through point-by-point with each piece of evidence the prosecution has brought up including the women's clothing the FBI found under a driveway and Houck's tinted truck windows.
Butler alleged police were given "marching order to get Brooks Houck."
Credit: Sydney Young
Courtroom sketch of Brooks Houck and the jury during the second trial in Crystal Rogers' death. | June 27, 2025
"[The prosecution says] Brooks was lying about what Crystal was doing when they got back to the house that night," Butler argued, playing a clip of Houck's July 5 police interview. "Brooks said that's usually what she does."
As for the tinted windows, Butler said Houck's sister testified that she and Rogers also had their car windows tinted.
"The same day Brooks Houck calls about tint is the day Crystal texts him about an upcoming eye appointment," Butler said.
Credit: Sydney Young
Sketch of Rhonda McIlvoy, Brooks Houck's sister, as she took the stand to testify. | July 2, 2025
He also argued Nick Houck's phone being turned off was because his girlfriend was mad they were moving from "a nice house to a dump." Amber Bowman, his ex-girlfriend, testified Nick vanished on July 3, 2015 to help his brother with a rental property rather than help them pack up to make the move.
Butler also talked about the white Buick owned by Anna Whitesides, Houck's grandmother.
"It's just a convoluted mess -- the timelines are all different and they contradict each other," Butler argued. "All this stuff -- they're just making it up."
Credit: WHAS11 News
Anna Whitesides (left), Brooks Houck's grandmother, and Crystal Rogers (right).
He told the jury Nick Houck sold his grandmother's Buick because 10 months after Rogers' disappearance Tommy Ballard, Rogers' father, made a post asking if anyone knew anything about the car.
Butler said they sold it because Nick Houck was trying to give people one less reason to look at them.
"There was nothing in that car," Butler said. "There's no DNA in that car -- not a drop of blood, not a skin cell, nothing."
A strand of hair, similar to Rogers' hair, was found in the trunk of Whitesides' car; however, DNA testing on the hair found it had no DNA profile.
"If you though you were selling a car you had hauled a dead body in, you would clean it first," Butler argued. "This car wasn't clean. They found all kinds of hairs."
Credit: Sydney Young
Terry Benjamin, a K-9 handler who helps police locate human remains, testifies virtually on Tuesday. | July 1, 2025
Butler also took issue with the cadaver dog that hit on the back of the Buick.
"They had resources unlike I've ever seen in 30 years. They had access to FBI dogs, KSP dogs," Butler said. "They found this guy at the NRA fair."
Butler said the reason Houck was indicted was because of cell data.
"There is no cell phone data that Steve Lawson was on the Bluegrass Parkway at 10:30 p.m. He was in Bardstown," the defense said, calling Joseph Lawson "the magic man" because police didn't get his phone data.
Credit: WHAS11 News
Then-Nelson County detective Jon Snow interviews Brooks Houck about Crystal Rogers' disappearance on July 8, 2015.
As for Houck's 8-page written statement to police, in which Houck listed several people he talked to. Those individuals all testified saying they didn't meet with him on July 3, 2015.
"There's no way you could believe this is what he did. these were things he needed to do," Butler said.
He explained Houck was at the farm that day, which isn't mentioned in the statement, but doesn't say how long he was there, but argues, "none of this is incriminating if you put it in the light of there's nothing at the farm."
12:17 p.m.
Be sure to join WHAS11's Alexandra Goldberg at 1 p.m. ET for a midday trial update. She'll provide a brief recap of what's happened so far during closing arguments.
You can watch it live here in this story in the video player above.
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Closing arguments underway in Houck-Lawson trial
Attorneys for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson presented their cases as to why their clients didn't commit the crimes they are accused of.
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Court adjourned | Attorneys wrap closing arguments for 2nd trial in Crystal Rogers case
"If Crystal Rogers did not come home, this man is guilty of murder," Prosecutor Shane Young argued. "I don't know who killed her, but I can tell you who's involved."
www.whas11.com
Crystal Rogers case: Trial updates
4:55 p.m.Special Prosecutor Shane Young is now delivering the Commonwealth's closing argument.
He began by saying the lynchpin of their case is Brooks Houck's own written statement.
"It was a lie. It was all a lie," Young argued, adding that he didn't mention going to the farm that day despite his cell records showing otherwise. "It's part of the deception."
Credit: WHAS11 News
Then-Nelson County detective Jon Snow interviews Brooks Houck about Crystal Rogers' disappearance on July 8, 2015.
The prosecutor played a clip of Charlie Girdley talking about Houck's mom, Rosemary, allegedly looking for someone to get rid of Rogers because she didn't like she had other kids and her hair.
"It is nefarious. It is sinister," Young said of the alleged plot. Rosemary Houck is in the courtroom today for the first time.
Young also brought up Houck's brother, Nick, a former Bardstown Police officer.
"That's who you want to take with you," he said, adding that Nick was trained in crime scenes and his phone was turned off for around 36 hours. Young also brought up how Nick Houck's ex-girlfriend testified that she called Nick fifteen times in 24 hours but he wouldn't pick up.
Neither Rosemary or Nick have been charged in Rogers' case, however Young has called them both "unindicted co-conspirators."
Credit: WHAS11 News
Brooks Houck's mom, Rosemary, and his brother, Nick, remain under investigation in Crystal Rogers' disappearance. | May 28, 2025
He also brought up statements made by several witnesses alleging Houck did not want to lose his son and how Steve Lawson told people he had to "take care of woman with five kids."
"If Crystal Rogers did not come home, this man is guilty of murder," Young argued. "I don't know who killed her, but I can tell you who's involved."
He then walked jurors through what cell records show happened that night.
Young said Joseph Lawson tries to get in touch with his father Steve Lawson around 11:06 p.m. Young said the prosecution believes there was another plan, but the car's flat tire was a problem.
Around midnight, Joseph Lawson calls Steve Lawson and then Steve Lawson calls Brooks Houck. The prosecutor said the Capitol One banking stuff was happening in the background, but it wasn't planned.
On July 4, 2015 around 12:30 a.m., Young said Steve Lawson's phone pinged south of the Bluegrass Parkway. He said the LMPD digital forensics expert, Tim O'Daniel, is one of the most professional people he's dealt with.
Credit: Sydney Young
Tim O'Daniel, an LMPD Digital Forensics expert, testifies during second trial in Crystal Rogers case. | June 27, 2025
Young admits there are no phone records for Joseph Lawson.
"He is the magic man, maybe. I don't know where he is, but he's in constant communication with Steve Lawson," Young said, adding that Steve's phone pinged at the Thompson Hill Road property around 3:30 a.m.
A witness testified that someone happened early in the morning on July 4, 2015, adding that he saw people "digging and burning" items, but thought they were household items.
"It's awful coincidental Steve Lawson was on Thompson Hill Road with heavy machinery just digging and burning," Young said.
Credit: Sydney Young
Prosecutor Shane Young delivers closing argument in second Crystal Rogers murder trial. | July 7, 2025
Young then talked about Houck's actions after Rogers' disappearance and how he went on about his normal life, only calling her twice on July 5, 2015.
"He called twice to make him look good," Young argued. "He's done absolutely nothing to find this woman. Why? He knows there's no sense in it."
3:36 p.m.
Houck's attorney, Brian Butler, has concluded with his closing arguments.
After the lunch break, Butler went through multiple of the prosecution's witnesses and attempted to discredit their testimony. He particularly focused on Charlie Girdley and Heather Snellen.
Girdley, a former Houck employee, said Steve Lawson approached him about Houck wanting to get rid of Rogers.
He also said Joseph Lawson made multiple gruesome statements about Rogers, including that he would "pull out her teeth and the hogs would do the rest."
Credit: Sydney Young
Brooks Houck's attorney, Brian Butler, speaks to jurors during closing arguments. | July 7, 2025
Butler played snippets of his police interview in which his testimony changed five times.
He reminded jurors that Snellen's statements can't be used against Houck as part of their jury instructions, but said police used coercive tactics to illicit her statement. Snellen, Steve Lawson's ex-wife, said she overheard a conversation between the Lawsons in which they talked about moving a body on the Houck farm with a skid steer.
"It's hard to blame that poor woman and what they did to her," Butler argued.
Butler also pointed to Steve Lawson's cell records the night of July 3, 2015 in which he's looking up his Capitol One accounts.
"While he's supposedly involved in a murder plot, he's Googling capitolone.com," Butler argued.
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Credit: Sydney Young
Prosecutors Shane and Teresa Young. | June 25, 2025
As Butler testifies, Prosecutor Teresa Young can be seen occasionally turning to look at Special Prosecutor Shane Young.
"None of this makes sense if you actually look at the science of it, it's ridiculous," Butler said.
Toward the end of his closing, Butler hammered the jury on the authorities' ten-year investigation and the lack of evidence, body or crime scene.
Credit: Sydney Young
Houck's attorney, Brian Butler, points to a screen with cell data during closing arguments. | July 7, 2025
"They looked for ten years for a murder weapon. They found nothing," Butler said, arguing the prosecution's case is full of reasonable doubt. "If you're going to kill someone, there might as well be a doggon good reason for it. They gave you nothing."
The defense then played a clip of Prosecutor Shane Young for the jury.
"I don't know where she was murdered," Young says in the video.
"That's the case for the Commonwealth," Butler said. "It is time to move on. It is time to end this."
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