BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Crystal Rogers’ family has promised they will not miss a court date in her case, and they held true to that Thursday when Joseph Lawson appeared in court over video.
Lawson is one of the three men charged in connection to Rogers’ disappearance and death.
Joseph Lawson and his father, Steve Lawson, are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. While Rogers' ex-boyfriend, Brooks Houck, is charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence.
The suspects' charges stem from events that happened between July 3 and July 4 2015, the last weekend Rogers was seen alive.
Rogers’ brother Casey Ballard and his wife sat in the front row of the courtroom, while her mom Sherry Ballard appeared over video.
Joseph Lawson’s dad, Steve Lawson, told police it as Joseph who drove Rogers’ maroon sedan to the Bluegrass Parkway on the night she was last seen alive. Steve Lawson said when the car broke down, Joseph Lawson called Steve to pick him up and together they called Brooks Houck to tell him “The job is done.”
Joseph Lawson’s attorney has asked a judge to sever their client’s case from his dad’s and his former employer, Brooks Houck.
In court Thursday, the attorneys and prosecutor decided to postpone any decisions until next month’s court date when Steve Lawson will also be in front of a judge.
“Judge we’ve been talking about severance and some discovery issues. The agreement we’ve come to is we would like to put this matter on with Steven Lawson’s case," Special Prosecutor Shane Young said. "To see what Mr. Lawson’s attorney’s decision is as it relates to the 410 statements with Steven Lawson. That will give us some direction on how we’re going to proceed with Joseph Lawson."
The judge agreed to push the matter back to that next court date on August 8.
Where will Crystal Rogers trial be held?
As the February 2025 trial date creeps closer, there are still major questions about how that trial will look. Attorneys confirmed Thursday the judge still has not finalized a trial location.
The attorneys and prosecutor had agreed on Christian County, but attorneys share the judge was not convinced it is the right space after an in-person visit earlier this summer.
Attorneys said Christian County has not been ruled it out, but they are still looking for other options.
The next court date in the Crystal Rogers case is scheduled for August 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Nelson County.
Steve Lawson and Joseph Lawson are both expected to appear in court for that hearing.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.