State Farm Moves to Join Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Brooks Houck

State Farm has requested to step into the ongoing wrongful death lawsuit filed against Brooks Houck, according to newly filed court documents.

Sherry Ballard — the mother of Crystal Rogers, the Bardstown woman who vanished more than a decade ago and is now presumed dead — is suing Houck for wrongful death. Houck, who was convicted of Rogers’ murder in July, is currently serving a life sentence.

Ballard originally filed the civil suit in November 2023, shortly after Houck was charged but before his trial. As administrator of her daughter’s estate, she is seeking several types of damages, including funeral and administrative costs, pain and suffering Rogers may have endured before her death, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of earning potential.

On Dec. 4, 2025, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company filed a motion to intervene in the case.

In the filing, State Farm argues that the renter’s insurance policy Houck held with them does not provide liability coverage for the type of claims Ballard is making. The company states the policy only covers accidental injuries or property damage — not intentional acts, which is what the lawsuit alleges.

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“State Farm’s policies do not provide coverage for Plaintiffs’ claims against Defendant Brooks Houck,” the company wrote, adding that it wants to participate in discovery and file its own motion regarding whether it has any obligation to cover a judgment.

A hearing on State Farm’s request has been scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026.