BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- For 10 years, the Bardstown community waited alongside Crystal Rogers' family for answers in her disappearance and justice for her presumed murder.
Friday, after a little over two hours of deliberation, a Warren County jury found Steve Lawson, 54, one of three men charged in connection with the death of Rogers, guilty on all charges — conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence — and recommended 17 years in prison.
While there were no cameras, cellphones, laptops or devices of any kind allowed in the courtroom, it didn't take long for word to get from Bowling Green back to Rogers' hometown of Bardstown that someone was finally found guilty in her death.
"Celebrate the fact that we're starting to see some accountability for what happened," said Melissa Soria.
Soria planned to raise a glass for Rogers Friday night. The manager of Soba Lounge said she's known the family for years, having rented a home from Rogers' parents. She later lived next door to Brooks Houck, Rogers' boyfriend at the time of her July 2015 disappearance and the main suspect in her murder.
Three suspects have been charged in connection with the 2015 disappearance and murder of Bardstown mother Crystal Rogers. (Left to Right) Brooks Houck, Joseph Lawson and Steve Lawson. (WDRB File)
"It's hard to celebrate. It's bittersweet. Yes, we are one step closer to hopefully finding out what happened, but I really don't actually think they're ever going to find her," she said. "And I think that is something that will effect many of us, and people who knew them, forever. Regardless of what verdicts come out."
The impact of Rogers' murder case can be seen written all over the small Nelson County town since her disappearance. Words like "Her story matters" and "Prayers for Crystal" are painted outside the Liberty Tax office, signs of support still line some roadsides, and some people even wore Crystal Rogers shirts throughout the trial.
"I feel sorry for her mother, and the babies, her five kids," Kathy Clements, Bardstown resident, said.
Rogers was last seen in July of 2015. The disappearance of a mother of five with deep ties to the community has hovered over Bardstown like a dark cloud, gripping the city in a real life "who done it" ever since.
"I hope this breaks the case wide open," said Bill Clements, another Bardstown resident. "I hope when he hears this sentence, that he will make a deal with them and he'll rat out who did kill her."
Lawson's conviction was the talk of the town Friday night, and reactions to his recommended 17-year sentence by the jury were consistent.
"I think that is not enough, because no amount of time is going to bring Crystal back," Soria said. "To know the people who have done something to her aren't just walking free and living their best life. That is a little bit of closure and a little bit of comfort, to know that they'll hopefully be spending the rest of their lives in prison."
Some, however, were surprised Lawson was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder when Rogers' body hasn't been found.
But the focus now turns to the main suspect in the case — Houck, Rogers' boyfriend at the time of her disappearance and the father of one of her children. He's set to be tried alongside Lawson's son, Joseph Lawson, next month.
"Hopefully this will just lead to the rest of them," Kathy Clements said.
Is Rogers' murder tied to the ambush killing of Bardstown Police officer Jason Ellis? Did her father find out, and that's why he was killed too?
To many in Bardstown, the verdict is not just long overdue, but hope they will soon have answers to the mysteries that have haunted their town for years.
"The first of the prayers are starting to get answers," said Soria. "To know the people who have done something to her aren’t just walking free and living their best life that is a little bit of closure and a little bit of comfort, to know that they’ll hopefully be spending the rest of their lives in prison."
Steve Lawson's formal sentencing date was scheduled for August 6 in Nelson County, where a judge will decide how long he will spend in prison.
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