BARDSTOWN, Ky. — On Wednesday, the latest search for evidence in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers went into its third day. The FBI said it plans to return again on Thursday.
Earlier this week, the FBI returned to a farm in Bardstown owned by the mother of Rogers' former boyfriend, Brooks Houck. Houck is the main suspect in Rogers' case, but has never been arrested or charged.
It's been more than seven years since the mother of five went missing in July of 2015. Police say the farm is the last known location Rogers was seen alive.
For days, dozens of FBI investigators have used off-road vehicles to move around the farm, cadaver dogs to assist in operations and heavy machinery towed in on trailers to dig.
The apparent focus of the search is still on a blue barn near the end of the road, a spot Tommy Ballard had suspicions about years ago.
WHAS11 also saw FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen drive onto the search grounds to survey the progress and talk to special agents on site.
The 245-acre farm, located on Paschal Ballard Lane, has been searched at least four other times in the past few years.
Rogers' family prays this search will be the last, finally bringing answers.
"It's such a huge farm," Sherry Ballard, Rogers' mother, said. "Could she be there and maybe it was overlooked? We've searched in the woods numerous times and we have walked through something and come back by and seen something that we totally missed."
According to the FBI, agents have not left the property unattended overnight and will keep the scene secured until their search is over.
"I'm ready for answers. Our family just needs answers," Ballard said Monday in a press conference.
PHOTOS: Here's a look at the FBI's latest investigation on the Houck family farm
WHAS11 was granted access to see the work underway on Tuesday.
There are ponds and structures throughout the property, though the FBI has not confirmed exactly what they are interested in. Special agents are using off road vehicles to go beyond where the road ends, into the woods and surrounding area.
Parked FBI vehicles on site indicate there are at least two dozen investigators on the farm, working near a barn that has been a point of question in the past.
The Ballard family said they have had questions about that barn and what happened around it for years.
There is also a cell service truck parked on site, providing a signal for easy communication for the FBI team, as they work across the farm.
If anyone has any information that could help police find Rogers, please contact investigators. The FBI has a designated taskforce website where you can submit anonymous tips.
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