January 22, 2026

Brooks Houck Appeals Murder Conviction of Crystal Rogers

Louisville, January 22, 2026

Brooks Houck’s attorneys have appealed his murder conviction for Crystal Rogers to the Kentucky Supreme Court. The appeal questions the evidence and procedure during the trial, arguing there was no physical link to the crime. Houck, along with co-defendants Joseph and Steve Lawson, was convicted in 2025 and sentenced to life in prison. The Supreme Court’s ruling could alter the course for the defendants and impact the ongoing quest for justice in Rogers’s case.

Brooks Houck Appeals Crystal Rogers Murder Conviction to Kentucky Supreme Court

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Attorneys for Brooks Houck have filed an appeal with the Kentucky Supreme Court, seeking to overturn his conviction in the murder of Crystal Rogers. The appeal challenges the sufficiency of evidence presented during the trial, questioning whether the Commonwealth proved Rogers was murdered and where the alleged murder occurred. Additionally, the appeal argues that no physical evidence was provided to link Houck to the crime.

Details of the Appeal

The 69-page appeal contends that the jury could not determine who allegedly killed Crystal Rogers due to insufficient evidence. It emphasizes that the Commonwealth failed to present evidence of Rogers’s death, such as a body, confession, eyewitness testimony, crime scene, or murder weapon. The appeal also criticizes Judge Charles Simms III for not recusing himself, citing a prior comment labeling Houck as the “prime suspect” in Rogers’s disappearance. Furthermore, it points out errors during the trial, including the joint trial of Houck and co-defendant Joseph Lawson, the inclusion of jurors aware of Steve Lawson’s conviction, and the admission of prejudicial hearsay evidence. The appeal concludes by asserting that, in the absence of concrete evidence, Houck’s conviction should be overturned or a new trial granted.

Background of the Case

Crystal Rogers, a 35-year-old mother of five from Bardstown, Kentucky, was last seen alive on July 3, 2015, with her boyfriend, Brooks Houck. The following day, her car was found abandoned on the Bluegrass Parkway, with her purse and other belongings inside. Despite extensive searches and investigations, Rogers’s body has never been found, and she is presumed dead. In July 2025, after a 10-day trial, Houck was convicted of murder and tampering with physical evidence. Co-defendants Joseph Lawson and his father, Steve Lawson, were also convicted in connection with Rogers’s death. Houck was sentenced to life in prison, while Joseph Lawson received 25 years, and Steve Lawson was sentenced to 17 years. All three men have filed appeals against their convictions.

Implications of the Appeal

The Kentucky Supreme Court’s decision on this appeal will have significant implications for the parties involved and the Rogers family. If the court overturns Houck’s conviction, it could lead to a new trial or potential acquittal. Conversely, if the court upholds the conviction, it would affirm the jury’s decision and the sentences imposed. The outcome will also influence the appeals filed by the other co-defendants in the case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Crystal Rogers case about?

The Crystal Rogers case involves the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers, a 35-year-old mother of five from Bardstown, Kentucky, in 2015. Her boyfriend, Brooks Houck, and two other men, Joseph Lawson and his father Steve Lawson, were convicted in connection with her death.

What are the key points of Brooks Houck’s appeal?

Brooks Houck’s appeal challenges the sufficiency of evidence presented during his trial, questioning whether the Commonwealth proved Rogers was murdered and where the alleged murder occurred. It also argues that no physical evidence was provided to link Houck to the crime and criticizes the trial procedures, including the joint trial with co-defendant Joseph Lawson and the inclusion of jurors aware of Steve Lawson’s conviction.

What were the convictions and sentences for the co-defendants?

In July 2025, after a 10-day trial, Brooks Houck was convicted of murder and tampering with physical evidence. Co-defendants Joseph Lawson and his father, Steve Lawson, were also convicted in connection with Rogers’s death. Houck was sentenced to life in prison, while Joseph Lawson received 25 years, and Steve Lawson was sentenced to 17 years. All three men have filed appeals against their convictions.

What is the significance of the Kentucky Supreme Court’s decision on this appeal?

Key Features of the Case

Feature	Details
Defendant	Brooks Houck
Conviction	Murder and tampering with physical evidence
Co-defendants	Joseph Lawson and Steve Lawson
Sentences	Life in prison for Houck; 25 years for Joseph Lawson; 17 years for Steve Lawson
Appeal	Filed with the Kentucky Supreme Court challenging the conviction
Case Background	Involves the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers in 2015