May 29, 2025

Trial Commences for Alleged Conspiracy in Crystal Rogers Case

News Summary

The trial of Steve Lawson began in Bowling Green, focusing on his alleged role in the conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence related to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers since 2015. Three individuals, including Lawson, are charged in connection with this ongoing case. Prosecutors present phone records, witness statements, and testimonies aiming to establish Lawson’s involvement, while the defense contests the evidence’s reliability and the conspiracy charges against him.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

The trial of Steve Lawson commenced today, focusing on his alleged involvement in the conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence connected to the unsolved disappearance of Crystal Rogers. Rogers was last seen on July 3, 2015, during the Fourth of July weekend, with her abandoned car later discovered running along the Bluegrass Parkway. Despite extensive searches, Rogers has not been located and is presumed dead.

Lawson is one of three individuals charged in relation to Rogers’ disappearance, including Brooks Houck, her boyfriend at the time, and Lawson’s son, Joseph Lawson. The jury was seated following a rigorous selection process that began on May 27, 2025, which took place in Bowling Green, aiming to mitigate the effects of intense media scrutiny surrounding the case.

Prosecutors assert that Lawson collaborated with Houck to orchestrate the murder of Rogers. Evidence presented includes witness statements that recalled Lawson expressing a desire to “get rid” of Rogers prior to her vanishing. Crucial to the prosecution’s case is the claim that phone records will document a call made by Lawson to Houck at midnight on July 4, 2015, where Lawson reportedly announced, “the job is done.”

On the trial’s first day, Sherry Ballard, Rogers’ mother, shared her emotional distress when she reached out to Houck regarding her daughter’s whereabouts. This testimony highlights the deep emotional toll the case has inflicted not only on Rogers’ family but also on the broader community, which has long sought answers and resolution.

While the defense has acknowledged that tampering with physical evidence occurred, they contend that no concrete evidence supports the charge of conspiracy to murder. They argue that the case against Lawson is primarily built on unreliable witness testimony and lack of direct evidence linking him to Rogers’ disappearance. The defense has pointed to various discrepancies in accounts and statements made by Houck both before and after Rogers went missing.

Key testimony from Detective Jon Snow indicated there were inconsistencies in Houck’s statements and phone communication preceding and following the incident. Forensic evidence, particularly pertaining to Lawson’s phone movements on the night Rogers disappeared, has been introduced; however, the defense has questioned the reliability of the cell tower data associated with these movements.

Several witnesses have detailed a series of calls and text messages exchanged among Lawson, his son Joseph, and Houck that correlate to the timeline of Rogers’ disappearance. Additionally, testimonies emerged suggesting that Lawson had spoken about the intent to move Rogers’ car in a manner that may conceal their involvement in her disappearance.

The trial is anticipated to conclude by either May 30 or June 2, 2025, as stated by Judge Charles Simms III. This ongoing case continues to evoke strong emotions within the community, reflecting the profound desire for justice and closure regarding Crystal Rogers’ fate.

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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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