BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- Just one day after Steve Lawson was sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, her family is turning its attention back to another painful mystery: the unsolved killing of her father.
A new 10-foot reward sign was posted on the side of the Bluegrass Parkway near the Ballard family farm in Nelson County, offering $50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Tommy Ballard's death.
In 2025, the Ballard family more than doubled their reward for information in Tommy Ballard's murder to $50,000 of their own money. The FBI has also renewed its call for tips, a signal the case is not forgotten. (WDRB photo/July 17, 2025)
Ballard was shot and killed in 2016 while hunting on family property. At the time, he'd been leading the charge to find his missing daughter, who vanished in 2015. Kentucky State Police never ruled the shooting a hunting accident, and the Ballard family has long believed it was a targeted attack.
"We were 100% certain it was a homicide," said Mike Ballard, Tommy's brother, who spoke in court during Lawson's sentencing.
That sentencing was held Wednesday in Nelson County Circuit Court. Lawson pleaded guilty in May to criminal conspiracy to commit murder in the Rogers case. He admitted to helping Brooks Houck — the man now convicted in her murder — cover up the crime.
During emotional impact statements, Mike Ballard directly addressed Lawson.
"Mr. Lawson, you've never met me, but I promise you, if I am alive and able, you will see me again — because I will be at your parole hearing," he said. "... I could go on and on about what a worthless, despicable, pitiful, thoughtless, gutless person you are, but I don't have to say what everyone already knows."
Brooke Bryan, Rogers' sister, also spoke through tears.
"Steve, you could have stopped this," she said. "You could have saved her life."
While the sentencing marked a major step in the case, the family says the fight for justice is far from over.
"Nobody searched for her like her dad, Tommy Ballard," Mike Ballard said.
Now, nearly a decade later, the family hopes this new reward will prompt someone to speak up.
"We're going to offer a $50,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for my brother's death," Mike Ballard said.
To the Ballard family, justice isn't just about punishment — it's about persistence, memory, and closure.
"You may have helped take her life away," Brooke said, "but you'll never take our memories. Her story lives on. And we'll make sure the world never forgets who Crystal was."
KSP is still investigating the death of Tommy Ballard. Anyone with information is urged to contact KSP Post 4 at 270-766-5078.
Previous coverage:
Tommy Ballard's brother still '100% certain' Houck family was involved in his 2016 murder
Steve Lawson sentenced to 17 years in prison for role in Crystal Rogers' murder
Brooks Houck, Crystal Rogers went to family farm 'to get away' the night she vanished
Brooks Houck tells family in jail phone calls he's 'gonna die in here'
Brooks Houck trying to sell assets ahead of wrongful death lawsuit in Crystal Rogers case
Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson found guilty of all charges in Crystal Rogers' murder
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