June 29, 2025

Murder Trial for Crystal Rogers Resumes with New Evidence

News Summary

The second murder trial for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson has begun in Bowling Green, Kentucky, amid emerging evidence related to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers. Charged with complicity and conspiracy to commit murder, the defendants’ past connection to Rogers and questionable behavior during the investigation have drawn significant attention. Testimonies from friends and digital evidence reveal critical details surrounding her 2015 disappearance, highlighting the complexities of the case as authorities continue seeking justice for Rogers and her family.

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Second Murder Trial for Crystal Rogers Begins as New Evidence Emerges Against Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson

The trial for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson, both implicated in the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers, commenced on June 24, 2025, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Crystal Rogers, a mother of five who vanished in July 2015, has remained a missing person for nearly a decade without any resolution to her case.

Brooks Houck stands charged with complicity to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence, facing a potential sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison. His associate, Joseph Lawson, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and the same charge of tampering with physical evidence, also subject to a 25-year prison term.

As the trial commenced, a jury was selected, and opening statements were delivered on June 25, 2025. The prosecution began by outlining a timeline of events leading to Rogers’ disappearance. It was revealed that Brooks Houck and Rogers had plans for a “romantic get-together” on the night she went missing. Surveillance footage captured Houck’s truck arriving at the family farm and leaving around midnight on July 3, 2015, just hours after Rogers was last seen.

Friends of Rogers, Amanda Greenwell and Christina Holly, testified that Rogers was enthusiastic about the evening with Houck, emphasizing that it was to be a night without their children. This enthusiasm, however, ends in tragedy, as the circumstances surrounding her disappearance soon drew suspicion.

The prosecution also pointed to Brooks’ mother, Rosemary Houck, who allegedly played a role in the conspiracy. Evidence presented suggested that she discussed hiring someone to “get rid of” Rogers, further complicating the claims against the defendants. Phone records tracked movements from Bardstown, the location of the Houck residence, to the area where Rogers’ car was ultimately found abandoned.

In contrast, the defense has maintained that no physical evidence directly links Brooks Houck to the crime. They argue there is “no body, no murder weapon, and no crime scene,” contending that the prosecution’s case relies on circumstantial evidence and speculation.

During the trial, Detective Jon Snow provided testimony about the investigation into Rogers’ disappearance, including an interview conducted with Houck shortly after she went missing. Additionally, digital forensic expert Tim O’Daniel offered evidence indicating that Brooks was present at the family farm during critical times on the day Rogers vanished, contradicting Houck’s earlier statements to law enforcement.

Witnesses reported seeing Rosemary and Nick Houck at the couple’s property shortly after Rogers’ disappearance, behaving suspiciously as they attempted to conceal vehicles by turning them around toward the house. Furthermore, a friend testified about discussing body disposal with Steve and Joseph Lawson at the Houck farm in 2017, although she initially withheld this information from authorities. Phone data subsequently connected Steve Lawson to the site where Rogers’ car was located, raising further suspicion of his involvement in the alleged conspiracy.

The trial is expected to unfold over several days, with both the prosecution and defense planning to present a wide range of evidence and witness testimonies. Throughout the proceedings, Crystal Rogers’ daughter, Kyleigh Fenwick, shared that she once regarded Brooks Houck as a “father figure,” a dynamic that shifted after the birth of Rogers’ son, Eli.

This trial follows the recent conviction of Steve Lawson in a related case for conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. His sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2025. As the trial continues, it remains a focal point in the ongoing efforts to find justice for Crystal Rogers and her family.

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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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