Closing statements, jury deliberations approach in Crystal Rogers murder case

The defense team for Brooks Houck, charged in the disappearance and presumed death of Bardstown woman Crystal Rogers, rested their case Thursday afternoon.

Thursday marked the eighth day of testimony in the joint trial for Houck, 43, and Joseph Lawson, 34. Their defense teams presented six witnesses Wednesday and Thursday, including a cognitive psychologist, a former state representative and juvenile justice commissioner, and a K9 handler.

Houck, Rogers’ boyfriend at the time of her July 3, 2015, disappearance and the last person to see her alive, is charged with complicity to commit murder and evidence tampering. Lawson, a former employee of Houck’s construction company, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and evidence tampering.

Lawson’s father, Steven Lawson, was convicted in May of conspiracy to commit murder and evidence tampering.

Their trial began June 24, and the prosecution rested their case Wednesday. The defense initially asked Judge Charles Simms III to dismiss the indictments against the two men, citing a lack of evidence, but the judge denied their motion.

Four of Houck and Lawson’s six witnesses were listed as experts in various fields. Their testimony cost the defense a total of $37,000.

Each of the experts aimed to discredit prosecutors’ witnesses.

Rhonda McIlvoy, Houck’s sister, also testified Wednesday.

The defense claims the police who investigated Houck and the Lawsons faced immense pressure to solve the high-profile killing, causing them to make missteps during the nearly decade-long investigation.

Brian Butler, Houck’s attorney, noted in particular that there is no physical evidence to prove Houck was involved in Rogers’ death, which prosecutors have acknowledged.

But several prosecutors’ witnesses outlined inconsistencies and contradictions in Houck’s account of the day Rogers went missing.

Jurors will return Monday morning for closing statements and will begin deliberations Tuesday.

This story was originally published July 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

Taylor Six

Lexington Herald-Leader

Taylor Six is the criminal justice reporter at the Herald-Leader. She was born and raised in Lexington attending Lafayette High School. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She previously worked as the government reporter for the Richmond Register.