Trial date set for three men charged in connection to Crystal Rogers case

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) — The trial, in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers will start in February of 2025.

“They sure want it sooner, but they’ll wait, they’ve waited this long, you know, since 2015,” said Willie Downs a friend of Crystal Rogers family.

The mother of five has been missing since July 3rd, 2015, 8 years.
Three men are now facing charges in connection to the case.

Rogers’ body has never been recovered, investigators resume she’s been dead since october 2015.
Thursday, the three men facing charges making their first court appearance together.

One of the men charged, Joseph lawson appearing in a wheelchair, seeing his father Steven Lawson for the first time, since the two were arrested.

“They just saw they saw each other in passing, nothing more,” said Ted Lavit, Steven’s attorney, when asked what their encounter was like.

Brooks Houck is facing a murder charge, Joseph and his father Steven facing conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence charges.

Prosecutors also debated if they should all be tried together.

Standing before the judge, Joseph Lawson’s attorney, asked the judge for a bond reduction, based on his condition, the judge saying he’ll have a decision Monday.

The three will all be back in court March 21st, after both prosecutors and the defense, review all evidence and discovery.

The defense also saying on this date they would potentially also file a motion for a change of venue.