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“The Trouble in Bardstown”: Dateline Explores Crystal Rogers Case November 7 2025

Ryan Gill

Dateline NBC’s November 7, 2025, episode titled The Trouble in Bardstown delves into the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, a young mother from Bardstown, Kentucky, who vanished in 2015. The episode, reported by Andrea Canning, investigates the years-long mystery, the community’s struggle for answers, and the eventual arrests and convictions that followed. It is a comprehensive look at one of the most disturbing cases to haunt the region in recent memory—one that took nearly a decade to see any resolution.

Featuring interviews with family members, investigators, and attorneys, the broadcast gives insight into a tangled web of secrecy, violence, and the pursuit of justice. It also highlights the broader pattern of violence in Bardstown, where several other mysterious deaths occurred around the same time.

A Disappearance That Rocked Kentucky

On July 5, 2015, Crystal Rogers was reported missing by her mother, Sherry Ballard, after she had not been seen since the evening of July 3. The 35-year-old mother of five was last known to be at home with her boyfriend, Brooks Houck. According to Houck, Rogers was on her phone when he went to bed, but was gone by morning. Her red Chevrolet Impala was later discovered abandoned along the Bluegrass Parkway with a flat tire. Her keys, phone, and purse were still inside.

The discovery of the car without signs of struggle intensified fears that something sinister had occurred. Rogers was a devoted mother, and those close to her immediately doubted the possibility that she had left voluntarily. As days turned into weeks, and no trace of her was found, attention turned to those closest to her—particularly her boyfriend.

Early Investigations and Suspicion

Suspicion fell quickly on Brooks Houck, who was the last person to see Crystal alive. The Ballard family voiced concerns publicly about his lack of involvement in the search. Crystal’s sister remarked that Houck had made no effort to assist, fueling speculation. On July 8, Houck was questioned by Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, but the interview was cut short when his brother, Nick Houck—a Bardstown police officer—called him and advised him not to speak with law enforcement.

The interference from Nick Houck raised red flags for investigators. He was later compelled to testify before a grand jury and eventually took a polygraph test, which the examiner flagged as deeply concerning. In October 2015, Nick was fired from the Bardstown Police Department. That same month, Brooks Houck was officially named a suspect, though no charges were filed at the time.

A Trail of Evidence and Roadblocks

An early tip involving a white Buick further complicated the case. A private investigator noted that a similar vehicle was seen at the Houck family farm on the night of Rogers’ disappearance. The car, owned by the Houck brothers’ grandmother, was sold weeks after Crystal vanished. A subpoena stated the vehicle may have been used to move a body. Although the grandmother refused to testify before the grand jury, law enforcement continued their efforts, even searching homes for DNA evidence in 2016.

Despite extensive searches and a $100,000 reward for information, the case grew cold. Rogers’ body was never recovered, though law enforcement and her family believed she was murdered. A renewed sense of urgency came in 2019 with the election of a new sheriff, Ramon Pineiroa, who prioritized the case and worked closely with the FBI to gather new evidence.

A Second Tragedy: The Murder of Tommy Ballard

In November 2016, the case took a tragic and suspicious turn. Crystal’s father, Tommy Ballard, was shot and killed while hunting on his own land with his grandson. He died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities quickly ruled out suicide and cleared the grandson of any involvement. The case remains unsolved but is considered a homicide. The Ballard family and many in the community believe Tommy was targeted due to his active role in pursuing answers about his daughter’s disappearance.

Tommy’s death intensified calls for justice. The family remained vocal and persistent, participating in vigils, media interviews, and pushing for broader investigative resources. Eventually, the FBI took over the case and conducted two extensive searches in Bardstown—one in 2020 and another in 2021—which led to the recovery of an “item of interest” from concrete in a subdivision developed by Houck’s construction company.

Arrests and Indictments Years Later

In 2023, momentum shifted in the investigation. In September, a grand jury indicted Joseph Lawson, a local man, for conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. While the indictment didn’t name Crystal Rogers, the timing and context aligned with her disappearance. Her family confirmed they were informed prior to the public announcement.

Shortly after, Brooks Houck was arrested and charged with murder. Prosecutors revealed that a gun sold under a false name by Nick Houck could be tied to Tommy Ballard’s murder. Steve Lawson, Joseph’s father, was also charged in December 2023 with conspiracy to commit murder. These arrests marked the first major break in the case after years of mounting frustration.

The 2025 Trial and Verdicts

The trials took place in 2025, bringing long-awaited accountability. In May, Steve Lawson was found guilty and sentenced to 17 years in prison for conspiracy and tampering. In July, Joseph Lawson received a 25-year sentence. The most significant development came when Brooks Houck was convicted of Crystal Rogers’ murder and sentenced to life in prison in September 2025.

Despite the convictions, Rogers’ body has never been found. Law enforcement continues to appeal for information from the public in hopes of locating her remains. Her mother, Sherry Ballard, has stated that the family will never have peace until Crystal is brought home.

Aftermath and Ongoing Appeals

In November 2025, Houck was transferred from Oldham County Detention Center to Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville, Kentucky. He is expected to move again to the Roederer Correctional Complex for classification before being permanently placed in a state prison. Court documents revealed that he is appealing his conviction, which is now heading to the Kentucky Supreme Court.

The Lawsons have also filed appeals. Joseph Lawson is serving his sentence at Little Sandy Correctional Complex, while Steve Lawson is incarcerated at Lee Adjustment Center. These appeals prolong the legal saga, but the convictions stand as a significant milestone in a case that defined a decade of grief and persistence in Bardstown.

A Town Forever Changed

The Trouble in Bardstown captures not just the mystery of Crystal Rogers’ disappearance but also the toll it took on her family, law enforcement, and the community. It offers a detailed, human portrait of the relentless pursuit of justice and the darkness that can hide behind the quiet of a small town. As the legal process continues and the search for Rogers’ remains persists, Bardstown remains a community altered by tragedy—but also strengthened by resilience.

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