June 28, 2025

Trial Begins in Crystal Rogers Murder Case

News Summary

The second murder trial in the Crystal Rogers case has begun, focusing on Brooks Houck, her ex-boyfriend, and co-defendant Joseph Lawson. Jurors heard shocking testimonies revealing Houck’s conflicting statements about his location on the day Rogers disappeared in 2015. Evidence presented includes cell phone tracking data and witness accounts linking the Houck family to suspicious behaviors post-disappearance. As courtroom proceedings continue, the trial’s complexities captivate the Bowling Green community, eager for resolution in this long-standing mystery.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

The second murder trial in the case of Crystal Rogers has commenced, marking a significant development in an ongoing mystery that has captivated the community for nearly a decade. The trial for Brooks Houck, Rogers’ ex-boyfriend, and co-defendant Joseph Lawson officially began on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Houck faces charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence, while Lawson is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.

This trial follows the conviction of Lawson’s father, Steve Lawson, who was found guilty of similar charges just weeks prior, in May 2025. This has added an additional layer of complexity and intrigue to the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Rogers’ suspected murder.

During the trial, jurors were presented with dramatic testimonies that raised critical questions regarding Houck’s account of his whereabouts on the day Rogers went missing, July 3, 2015. Tim O’Daniel, a digital forensic expert, revealed that Houck’s cell phone location data indicated he was present at the Houck family farm from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that day, contradicting his written police statement, in which he failed to mention visiting the farm.

The defense countered this evidence by suggesting a “stopover theory,” positing that Houck’s phone could have been pinging off nearby Wi-Fi signals, raising doubts about the reliability of the location data.

Witness Testimonies and Evidence

Several witnesses provided stirring testimony, including Heather Snellen, who claimed to have overheard discussions between Steve and Joseph Lawson about moving a body on the Houck farm. This testimony was met with emotional reactions from Rogers’ family, underscoring the human element woven throughout this legal battle.

Additionally, Mary Mattingly, a neighbor, described observing unusual behavior from the Houck family in the aftermath of Rogers’ disappearance, including suspicious movements of vehicles and bags. Further complicating the narrative, phone records indicated that Houck did not attempt to contact Rogers during the crucial hours following her disappearance, which prosecutors argued was telling evidence of potential guilt.

Snellen recounted discovering a vehicle that once belonged to Steve Lawson’s ex-girlfriend, containing concerning items, including a Louisville Slugger bat. This revelation has added to the sense of urgency surrounding the trial.

In a shocking development, claims were made in court regarding Rosemary Houck, Brooks’ mother, who allegedly inquired weeks before Rogers went missing about finding someone to “get rid of” her. This claim stirred the courtroom, casting further suspicion on the Houck family.

Prosecutors also presented additional evidence linking Houck to the vicinity where Rogers’ car was later recovered, using cell phone tracking data showing his movements near that location. Phone records further connected Steve Lawson to the area around the time Rogers’ car was discovered, bolstering the prosecution’s case.

Witness Mary Mattingly described seeing Nick Houck, Brooks’ brother, acting suspiciously with white bags shortly after Rogers disappeared, adding another unsettling layer to the already complex investigation.

Upcoming Proceedings

The jury has been dismissed for the weekend, with proceedings scheduled to resume the following Monday at 8:30 a.m. CT. The intensifying trial has drawn significant public interest as it delves into the unresolved circumstances surrounding Crystal Rogers’ disappearance, fueling a thirst for answers and justice that has lingered for years.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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