GUILTY KY - Crystal Rogers, 35, Bluegrass Parkway, 3 July 2015 #4 *arrest in 2023* Brooks Houck on Trial

[Niner]

Anyone have a subscription to this newspaper? I can not see anything on it - but I do see Lawson's attorneys want to delay the trial....

Steve Lawson asks to delay trial in Crystal Rogers case for second time this year

Steve Lawson's trial in the Crystal Roger case was previously set to begin in February and has already been pushed back to May.

eu.courier-journal.com

 

[Megnut]

Anyone have a subscription to this newspaper? I can not see anything on it - but I do see Lawson's attorneys want to delay the trial....

Steve Lawson asks to delay trial in Crystal Rogers case for second time this year

Steve Lawson's trial in the Crystal Roger case was previously set to begin in February and has already been pushed back to May.

eu.courier-journal.com

Lots of dates in the article, hearings and deadlines from the court, over testing of hairs that were found. The prosecution however has decided not to test the hairs (further) because they don't belong to any of the Defendants. It is unclear from the article (to me) whether the defense here plans yo pursue any testing. And whether that will impact the May 27 trial start date.

JMO

 

[Niner]

Lots of dates in the article, hearings and deadlines from the court, over testing of hairs that were found. The prosecution however has decided not to test the hairs (further) because they don't belong to any of the Defendants. It is unclear from the article (to me) whether the defense here plans yo pursue any testing. And whether that will impact the May 27 trial start date.

JMO

Thank - I got another article that came up that I could read -

Steve Lawson asks to delay trial in Crystal Rogers case for second time this year

Steve Lawson's trial in the Crystal Roger case was previously set to begin in February and has already been pushed back to May.

eu.courier-journal.com

April 4, 2025
....With prosecutors no longer wanting to test the hairs, it's unclear how Lawson's request to postpone the trial will be impacted. Lawson's next hearing is set for April 14, according to court records.

 

[Niner]

Monday, April 14th:
*Status Conference Hearing (@ am ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) indicted, arrested & charged (12/7/23) & arraigned (12/21/23) with conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bond reduced to $250K (1/9/24). He's currently incarcerated in Harrison County, IN. Lawson was serving time at the Kentucky State Reformatory for a previous conviction, but that time will be served out in the coming weeks. He was moved to the Grayson County Detention Center this morning (5/3/24) & is currently in custody. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 5/27/25 for Steven Lawson Only.
Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. S. Lawson’s defense attorney Theodore Lavit [was fired on 8/8/24] now has public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler.
Case & Court info from 12/7/23 thru 3/26/25 reference post #694 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-35
3/27/25 Update: Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms issued an order for two hairs not previously DNA tested in 2016 to be tested with the intent of obtaining a DNA profile. The hairs were not previously tested because the process would destroy them. Motions hearing on 4/3/25 @ 1:30pm.
4/3/25 Update: Attorneys for Lawson are objecting to the Commonwealth’s motion for new DNA testing on two strands of hair. On March 26, 2025, the Commonwealth filed a motion for a court order for DNA testing on two hairs found in Rogers’ car. Lawson’s attorneys argue that the Commonwealth’s plan would not allow independent testing of the hair or an expert they choose to be present at the time & that’s a violation of Lawson’s rights. Lawson’s attorney asking for delay of trial. At hearing: Lawson requested his trial be delayed to allow his expert to inspect hair evidence. Prosecutors initially sought to DNA test the hairs but withdrew the request after determining they didn't belong to defendants in the case. Attorneys for Lawson still want to have an expert inspect the hairs on behalf of the defense, which the judge ordered they arrange to do before 4/11/25. Lawson's trial, already postponed from February, is currently scheduled for May 27. With prosecutors no longer wanting to test the hairs, it's unclear how Lawson's request to postpone the trial will be impacted. Lawson's next hearing is set for 4/14/25.
*Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.

 

[arielilane]

With this information, prosecutors said they are of the belief that the two hairs don't belong to Lawson, or his son Joseph, who is also charged in Rogers' death.

"So we're going to go ahead and stipulate that the two hairs don't belong to either of the Lawson's," prosecutors said. "And I don't really want to spend the state's money, because what it was going to cost to have an expedited testing, to have them come back and tell me the same thing, which, based on visual analysis, if they would have had hair samples from them back then, they would have excluded them to begin with."

Defense, prosecutors share tense exchanges at Crystal Rogers case hearing for hair DNA testing

The defense attorneys for one of the men charged in the Crystal Rogers case and prosecutors shared tense exchanges with each other at a hearing in the case on Thursday.

www.wlky.com

April 3, 2025


In addition:
-- The defense still wants to have the hairs analyzed by their own expert.
-- The defense claim the findings possibly will alter their defense strategy.
-- The judge stated that texting must be done before April 14, next scheduled hearing.

 

[arielilane]

-- Back in court Monday.
-- Focus remains on two hair samples found in CR's car.



The defense still sought to have them tested, however, arguing in a court document that if they belonged to anyone else besides Rogers it should throw suspicion off of their clients.

A judge ruled that they would need to use their own experts for the testing, with a deadline set for last week.

Defense in Crystal Rogers case ask hair samples found in her car to be tested

The Crystal Rogers case was back in court Monday. The focus remains on two hair samples found in her car.

www.wlky.com

April 14, 2025

Steven Lawson's trial is scheduled for next month, while Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck will be tried together in June.

 

[Niner]

-- Back in court Monday.
-- Focus remains on two hair samples found in CR's car.



The defense still sought to have them tested, however, arguing in a court document that if they belonged to anyone else besides Rogers it should throw suspicion off of their clients.

A judge ruled that they would need to use their own experts for the testing, with a deadline set for last week.

Defense in Crystal Rogers case ask hair samples found in her car to be tested

The Crystal Rogers case was back in court Monday. The focus remains on two hair samples found in her car.

www.wlky.com

April 14, 2025

Steven Lawson's trial is scheduled for next month, while Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck will be tried together in June.

ACK!! I hate articles that are not "available in my region".... stupid EU rules...

So... is there anything in there about his next hearing - or the other guys? TIA!

 

[arielilane]

ACK!! I hate articles that are not "available in my region".... stupid EU rules...

So... is there anything in there about his next hearing - or the other guys? TIA!

No other hearings were mentioned. Short article.

 

[arielilane]

Re: Steve Lawson

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Attorneys for one of three defendants charged in the murder of Crystal Rogers argued Monday that a mistake made in not performing DNA testing on two hairs found in Rogers’ car in 2015 should be remedied by delaying his May 27 trial and completing the testing.

Prosecutor: Request to delay Crystal Rogers' murder trial to test hairs is a 'fishing expedition'

Attorneys for Steve Lawson argued Monday that a mistake made in not performing DNA testing on two hairs found in Rogers’ car in 2015.

www.wdrb.com

4/14/2025


Steve Lawson has told investigators both he and his son were in Rogers' vehicle after she disappeared in July 2015. He said Joseph Lawson, "drove Crystal's vehicle west on the Bluegrass (Parkway) to, I believe it was Mile Marker 14 or 16, where he had a flat tire."

-- SL picked his son up and also removed a miniature Louisville Slugger bat from the vehicle.

-- CR last seen with her boyfriend, BH, during the 4th of July weekend, 2015.
-- CR's car was left running on the side of Bluegrass Parkway... her purse still inside.
-- She's presumed dead, however, her body has not been found.

-- It would not be surprising to find Houck’s hair in the vehicle.

-- Special prosecutor argued it would be unfair to Rogers' family to delay SL’s trial for a 2nd time to test the hairs, testing could take several months.

-- No new hearing dates were set nor were any dates canceled/postponed at this time.

-- SL scheduled to stand trial in Warren County in May, w/BH and JL set for June.

 

[Niner]

Re: Steve Lawson

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Attorneys for one of three defendants charged in the murder of Crystal Rogers argued Monday that a mistake made in not performing DNA testing on two hairs found in Rogers’ car in 2015 should be remedied by delaying his May 27 trial and completing the testing.

Prosecutor: Request to delay Crystal Rogers' murder trial to test hairs is a 'fishing expedition'

Attorneys for Steve Lawson argued Monday that a mistake made in not performing DNA testing on two hairs found in Rogers’ car in 2015.

www.wdrb.com

4/14/2025


Steve Lawson has told investigators both he and his son were in Rogers' vehicle after she disappeared in July 2015. He said Joseph Lawson, "drove Crystal's vehicle west on the Bluegrass (Parkway) to, I believe it was Mile Marker 14 or 16, where he had a flat tire."

-- SL picked his son up and also removed a miniature Louisville Slugger bat from the vehicle.

-- CR last seen with her boyfriend, BH, during the 4th of July weekend, 2015.
-- CR's car was left running on the side of Bluegrass Parkway... her purse still inside.
-- She's presumed dead, however, her body has not been found.

-- It would not be surprising to find Houck’s hair in the vehicle.

-- Special prosecutor argued it would be unfair to Rogers' family to delay SL’s trial for a 2nd time to test the hairs, testing could take several months.

-- No new hearing dates were set nor were any dates canceled/postponed at this time.

-- SL scheduled to stand trial in Warren County in May, w/BH and JL set for June.

Thanks for that info!

 

[Niner]

@arielilane - any updates for a hearing for any of them yet? TIA!

 

[arielilane]

@arielilane - any updates for a hearing for any of them yet? TIA!

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A judge declined to delay the May 27 trial of Steve Lawson, one of three defendants charged in the murder of Crystal Rogers, in order to perform DNA testing on two hairs found in her car in 2015.

In a ruling Friday, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III wrote that even if testing identified who the hairs belonged to, it would not exclude Lawson's possible involvement in the alleged murder.

Lawson's attorneys have argued the hairs could point to another possible suspect, including Nick Houck, the brother of Lawson's co-defendant, Brooks Houck.

Judge declines to delay Crystal Rogers murder trial over new DNA testing

A judge declined to delay the May 27 trial of Steve Lawson, one of three defendants charged in the murder of Crystal Rogers in order to perform DNA testing on

www.wdrb.com

4.18.2025

@Niner, no new dates, at this time.

 

[arielilane]

Same article linked above:

The defense can also tell the jury that the hairs do not belong to Steve Lawson or his son, according to the order.

Steve Lawson is scheduled to stand trial in Warren County next month with Houck and Joseph Lawson scheduled later in June. Both trials were moved out of Nelson County because of the massive amount of publicity surrounding the case.

Steve Lawson, according to a Dec. 6, 2023, Nelson County indictment, agreed to "aid one or more persons in the planning or commission" of the death of another and then "destroyed, mutilated, concealed, removed" or altered physical evidence on July 3 or July 4, 2015, when Rogers disappeared.

Judge declines to delay Crystal Rogers murder trial over new DNA testing

A judge declined to delay the May 27 trial of Steve Lawson, one of three defendants charged in the murder of Crystal Rogers in order to perform DNA testing on

www.wdrb.com

Related Stories:

Prosecutor: Request to delay Crystal Rogers' murder trial to test hairs is a 'fishing expedition'

2 hairs found on Crystal Rogers' vehicle will be tested for DNA nearly a decade after being found

'Not much' found in search of properties once owned by Brooks Houck's family in Crystal Rogers case

Murder trial for Crystal Rogers will be held in Warren County, judge rules

 

[Niner]

Thanks for checking @arielilane !

 

[Niner]

MSN

May 9, 2025
NELSON COUNTY, Ky. (WAVE) - Brooks Houck appeared in court virtually Thursday as his defense attorneys and state prosecutors argued over what expert testimony will be used at his upcoming trial.
[.....]
Special prosecutor Shane Young filed a motion requesting the defense to provide more information on the testimony of the experts they plan to call at trial.

The defense plans to call a retired detective to the stand to go over the timeline of the investigation done by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and later, the FBI. Defense attorney Brian Butler said the detective won’t comment on any missteps the sheriff’s office may have taken early on and will instead give a general overview of the investigative process.
[.....]
The defense also plans to call an interrogation expert who will review recordings of police interviews with Houck and Lawson and describe tactics used by detectives that could be considered coercive.

The prosecution asked the judge to require the defense to give more details on the basis for that expert’s opinions, including specific examples within those interviews.
[.....]
The judge did not make a ruling on the prosecution’s motion at the end of Thursday’s hearing, saying he plans to make a decision in the coming days.

 

[Niner]

And to keep my notes straight - I will go ahead & post this

Thursday, May 8th:
*Motions Hearing (Houck) (@ am ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) arrested, charged & indicted (9/27/23) & arraigned (10/5/23) with felony murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. Bond $10M Cash Only! Reduction of bond (to $500K) denied (10/9/23). KY Supreme Court denied (3/12/24) review of bond reduction. Was transferred (9/27/23) from Nelson County jail to Hardin County Detention Center. Was transferred (12/13/23) to Oldham County Detention Center. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) arrested, indicted & charged (7/24/23) with criminal conspiracy to commit murder & charged (6/21/23) with complicity in tampering with physical evidence. Bond $50K unsecured bond (tampering) & $550K Cash bond (conspiracy). Bond reduced (2/12/24) to $250K Cash bond. Plead not guilty. Held in Grayson County Kentucky Detention Center. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Houck’s defense attorneys Brian Butler, Michael Denbow & Jennifer Henry Jackson & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 thru 11/15/24 reference post #658 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-33
11/15/24 Update: Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review & setting a court date for Houck & Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled.
5/8/25 Update: Houck appeared in court virtually Thursday as his defense attorneys & state prosecutors argued over what expert testimony will be used at his upcoming trial. Special prosecutor Shane Young filed a motion requesting the defense to provide more information on the testimony of the experts they plan to call at trial. The defense plans to call a retired detective to the stand to go over the timeline of the investigation done by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office & later, the FBI. Defense attorney Brian Butler said the detective won’t comment on any missteps the sheriff’s office may have taken early on & will instead give a general overview of the investigative process. The prosecution asked the judge to require the defense to give more details on the basis for that expert’s opinions, including specific examples within those interviews. The judge did not make a ruling on the prosecution’s motion at the end of Thursday’s hearing, saying he plans to make a decision in the coming days.
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) – Status hearing on 4/14/25 & trial set on 5/27/25.

 

[girlhasnoname]

And to keep my notes straight - I will go ahead & post this

Thursday, May 8th:
*Motions Hearing (Houck) (@ am ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) arrested, charged & indicted (9/27/23) & arraigned (10/5/23) with felony murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. Bond $10M Cash Only! Reduction of bond (to $500K) denied (10/9/23). KY Supreme Court denied (3/12/24) review of bond reduction. Was transferred (9/27/23) from Nelson County jail to Hardin County Detention Center. Was transferred (12/13/23) to Oldham County Detention Center. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) arrested, indicted & charged (7/24/23) with criminal conspiracy to commit murder & charged (6/21/23) with complicity in tampering with physical evidence. Bond $50K unsecured bond (tampering) & $550K Cash bond (conspiracy). Bond reduced (2/12/24) to $250K Cash bond. Plead not guilty. Held in Grayson County Kentucky Detention Center. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Houck’s defense attorneys Brian Butler, Michael Denbow & Jennifer Henry Jackson & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 thru 11/15/24 reference post #658 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-33
11/15/24 Update: Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review & setting a court date for Houck & Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled.
5/8/25 Update: Houck appeared in court virtually Thursday as his defense attorneys & state prosecutors argued over what expert testimony will be used at his upcoming trial. Special prosecutor Shane Young filed a motion requesting the defense to provide more information on the testimony of the experts they plan to call at trial. The defense plans to call a retired detective to the stand to go over the timeline of the investigation done by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office & later, the FBI. Defense attorney Brian Butler said the detective won’t comment on any missteps the sheriff’s office may have taken early on & will instead give a general overview of the investigative process. The prosecution asked the judge to require the defense to give more details on the basis for that expert’s opinions, including specific examples within those interviews. The judge did not make a ruling on the prosecution’s motion at the end of Thursday’s hearing, saying he plans to make a decision in the coming days.
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) – Status hearing on 4/14/25 & trial set on 5/27/25.

So good to see these trials coming up, please no more delays, this case has drug on long enough.

Justice for Crystal, her Father and may the families and loved ones finally get some well deserved answers and relief.

 

[Niner]

Judge Sets Media Limits for 1st Trial in Disappearance and Murder of Kentucky Mom Crystal Rogers

The Kentucky judge overseeing the first of three trials related to the disappearance and presumed murder of mother of five Crystal Rogers, who vanished after spending time with her boyfriend and his family over the 4th of July weekend in 2015, has set strict limitations on the public and media...

www.crimeonline.com

May 13, 2025

The Kentucky judge overseeing the first of three trials related to the disappearance and presumed murder of mother of five Crystal Rogers, who vanished after spending time with her boyfriend and his family over the 4th of July weekend in 2015, has set strict limitations on the public and media for the trial.

According to WDRB, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III’s order on Tuesday “is unusually restrictive for trials in Kentucky.”

“Unfortunately, this case has generated tremendous interest among the news media and the general public which has resulted in a ‘circuslike atmosphere,'” Simms wrote in his order.
[.....]
Simms noted in his order that it was the first time in his more than 20 years as a judge that he’s barred cameras in his courtroom. The media and public will be allowed in the courtroom, he said, but no electronic devices will be allowed, and observers are barred from disseminating “to the public any information it ascertains” as the trial is in session.
[.....]
Steve Lawson’s trial is set to begin on May 27 while his son and Houck go on trial later in June.

 

[girlhasnoname]

Judge Sets Media Limits for 1st Trial in Disappearance and Murder of Kentucky Mom Crystal Rogers

The Kentucky judge overseeing the first of three trials related to the disappearance and presumed murder of mother of five Crystal Rogers, who vanished after spending time with her boyfriend and his family over the 4th of July weekend in 2015, has set strict limitations on the public and media...

www.crimeonline.com

May 13, 2025

The Kentucky judge overseeing the first of three trials related to the disappearance and presumed murder of mother of five Crystal Rogers, who vanished after spending time with her boyfriend and his family over the 4th of July weekend in 2015, has set strict limitations on the public and media for the trial.

According to WDRB, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III’s order on Tuesday “is unusually restrictive for trials in Kentucky.”

“Unfortunately, this case has generated tremendous interest among the news media and the general public which has resulted in a ‘circuslike atmosphere,'” Simms wrote in his order.
[.....]
Simms noted in his order that it was the first time in his more than 20 years as a judge that he’s barred cameras in his courtroom. The media and public will be allowed in the courtroom, he said, but no electronic devices will be allowed, and observers are barred from disseminating “to the public any information it ascertains” as the trial is in session.
[.....]
Steve Lawson’s trial is set to begin on May 27 while his son and Houck go on trial later in June.

Wow, that is really disappointing, but I respect the Judge's decision if it has grown circus like, which happened in Delphi and Judge Gull did the same things.

Insane SM cranks and pot stirrers disrespecting one of our most sacrosanct public places. This is why we can't have nice things folks.

JMO

 

[imstilla.grandma]

As the trial date nears, new restrictions are being placed on media coverage inside the courtroom. Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III, who is presiding over Lawson's trial, has banned all recording devices — including cameras and cellphones — from the courtroom.

"Unfortunately, this case has generated tremendous interest among the news media and the general public, which has resulted in a 'circuslike atmosphere,'" Simms wrote in an order issued Tuesday.

"This Court finds that the trial proceeding must be conducted in a dignified manner without the distraction of anyone recording this proceeding with any electronic device," Simms wrote. "Unfortunately, this Court believes that it must impose limitations herein to assure a fair trial."

Only those physically present in the courtroom will be allowed to watch the trial, and reporters will only be permitted to report on what happens at the trial during breaks. The court will not provide a media room, and video recordings of the trial will only be available through the court after the fact — often taking several days to obtain.

Simms also prohibited attendees from wearing any clothing or accessories displaying photos, names, or images related to anyone involved in the case.

1st trial in Crystal Rogers' murder case set to begin 10 years after her disappearance

Nearly 10 years after Crystal Rogers vanished without a trace, the first trial in the case connected to the missing Bardstown mother is set to begin.

www.wdrb.com