UPDATE: Life In Prison for Murder of Crystal Rogers

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – A Nelson County judge has sentenced Brooks Houck to life in prison for the 2015 murder of his former girlfriend, Crystal Rogers. The sentence follows a July verdict by a Warren County jury that found Houck guilty of murder, along with complicity to tampering with physical evidence. Houck’s co-defendant, Joseph Lawson, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on convictions of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. Lawson’s father, Steve, was tried separately and received a 17-year sentence last month. During Wednesday’s hearing, Rogers’ family members gave emotional impact statements, many addressing Houck directly. Her mother, Sherry Ballard, vowed to fight his release when he becomes eligible for parole in 18 years and pleaded with him to reveal where Rogers’ body is located. Houck, who shares a son with Rogers, showed no emotion and remained silent throughout sentencing. Family members also confronted Lawson, though their remarks were brief. Rogers’ brother, Casey Ballard, expressed anger toward him, while her mother said she felt only contempt. Lawson, who appeared in a wheelchair due to past injuries, offered no comment. The sentencing marks the end of a highly publicized trial that lasted 10 days and featured more than 50 witnesses, cell phone data, surveillance footage, and recorded interrogations. Prosecutors noted that while there was no physical evidence such as a body or weapon, Houck’s behavior before and after Rogers’ disappearance was central to their case. Rogers, a 35-year-old mother of five, was last seen on the Fourth of July weekend in 2015 with Houck. Days later, her vehicle was discovered abandoned on the side of the Bluegrass Parkway, still running with her belongings inside. Despite extensive searches, her remains have never been found. Both Houck and Lawson plan to appeal their convictions. Questions also remain about Houck’s brother, Nick, and mother, Rosemary, who prosecutors named as unindicted co-conspirators but who have not been charged. The case continues to grip the Bardstown community, as Rogers’ family holds out hope for answers about her final resting place.