Second Trial in Crystal Rogers Murder Case Begins

BOWLING GREEN, KY – Second Trial in Crystal Rogers Murder Case Begins

The second trial concerning the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers commenced on June 24, 2025, in a Warren County courtroom, following a venue change from Nelson County due to extensive pretrial publicity surrounding the case. Defendants Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson face serious charges related to Rogers’ case.

Brooks Houck has been charged with complicity to commit murder and tampering with evidence, while Joseph Lawson is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. The prosecution argues that Houck played a key role in both the planning and cover-up of Rogers’ murder.

Crystal Rogers, a 35-year-old mother from Bardstown, was last seen on July 3, 2015. At that time, her boyfriend, Brooks Houck, claimed that he went to bed while Rogers stayed up on her phone. Her absence has since raised significant concerns, and the case remains a focal point of local and national attention.

Details of the Trial

The trial is expected to last between two to three weeks, with jury selection completed on the first day of proceedings. A pool of 132 potential jurors was narrowed down to a jury of 15 individuals, which includes three alternates. Opening statements are anticipated to begin on June 25, 2025. Due to the trial’s high-profile nature, courtroom cameras have been prohibited.

During the jury selection process, many potential jurors expressed their concerns regarding impartiality due to their prior exposure to the case through various media outlets, including news coverage and documentaries. Judge Charles Simms III presides over these proceedings, which have attracted heightened scrutiny from the public.

In an additional development linked to the case, Joseph Lawson’s father, Steven Lawson, recently faced conviction on charges similar to those against his son. He is now facing a potential sentence of 17 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for August 6, 2025.

Circumstantial Evidence Focus

Prosecutors have labeled the case a “no body homicide,” emphasizing that Crystal Rogers’ body has yet to be located. Consequently, the evidence presented throughout the trial is primarily circumstantial. This element has led the prosecution to stress the need for jury members to analyze the intricate dynamics between Houck and Lawson regarding their involvement in the case.

As the trial unfolds, several witnesses have been identified who may provide testimony, including former police officers and employees linked to Brooks Houck. The prosecution and defense teams indicated that they would emphasize the details surrounding the circumstantial evidence, as well as the interactions between the defendants in connection with Rogers’ mysterious disappearance.

Challenges in Jury Selection

The selection process proved to be more complicated than previous trials associated with this case, as attorneys worked meticulously to identify jurors without pre-formed opinions or extensive knowledge about the details of Rogers’ disappearance. Ultimately, the jury comprises eight men and seven women who have been chosen to impartially review and judge the evidence presented during the trial.

This trial not only represents a crucial moment for the families affected by Rogers’ disappearance but also highlights the ongoing issues surrounding high-profile criminal cases and their impact on the judicial process.