Jury finds two men guilty in Crystal Rogers disappearance case

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — A jury has found two men guilty in the high-profile case of Bardstown mother of five, Crystal Rogers, whose disappearance and death have gripped Kentucky for nearly a decade.

According to ABC affiliate WHAS 11, the jury deliberated for about four hours before returning guilty verdicts against Brooks Houck, Rogers’ boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, and Joseph Lawson.

Houck was convicted of murder as a principal or accomplice, as well as tampering with physical evidence. The jury determined he was responsible for Rogers’ death, though it was not clear whether he directly killed her or played a role in her murder.

Lawson was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. His father, Steve Lawson, was convicted in May on similar charges in connection to the case.

Crystal Rogers vanished in 2015, sparking years of searches, speculation, and investigation. Her remains were discovered in 2023.

Both men are set to be sentenced next month.