BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- While a jury hears evidence this week during the second trial in the Crystal Rogers murder case, a community more than 100 miles away waits with a renewed sense of hope.
Rogers, a mother of five from Bardstown, Kentucky, was last seen July 3, 2015.
While the case has captured national attention over the years, it was born in Nelson County, where those who have been watching the case since it started watch, wait and pray.
Several signs that have quietly kept Rogers' memory alive in Bardstown since her disappearance remain in place. Now, that silence is replaced by something the city of Bardstown hasn't felt for a long time — hope.
"It's awful," resident Shannon Shepherd said. "It's awful."
It's a town known for bourbon and beauty. But it has also been carrying the burden of heartbreak for nearly a decade.
"When I see the Crystal Rogers signs, I feel really, really bad for their family," Brittany Mouser, Bardstown resident, said.
As the community watches and waits, in many cases they're also reliving every painful moment.
"It breaks my heart to even think about what her family has to go through," said Shepherd.
Although Brooks Houck, Rogers' boyfriend at the time of her disappearance and the father of one of her children, and Joseph Lawson are on trial in a county more than 100 miles away, those in Nelson County have strong opinions about the case they've watched unfold for a decade.
"And I am very glad for the family, that they're getting, you know, a little bit of relief," Mouser said.
While it's been nearly 10 years to the day since Rogers' disappearance, some thought the case would never see the inside of a courtroom.
"Absolutely not," said Mouser. "No, I didn't. I actually thought that it would just be covered up. It would just, people would keep covering."
Since Rogers' disappearance, billboards have been on display asking for help bringing her home. But for some, the pain goes deeper than a picture or words on a sign.
"For him to have been out for 10 years, still roaming the streets of Bardstown and running into him here and there, I hope he's found guilty just to put it to rest," Shepherd said.
Now that one trial has concluded and the second is underway, community members are hoping this marks the beginning of the end and not just another chapter in a long, painful story.
"Every year that came it was like, is it ever going to happen? But, I'm so glad. We're coming up on the 10-year anniversary next weekend so, I'm praying," said Shepherd.
Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson's trial started Tuesday in Bowling Green at the Warren County Justice Center.
Houck is charged with complicity to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison. Joseph Lawson is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence, facing up to 25 years behind bars.
Joseph Lawson's father, Steve Lawson, 54, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence on May 30 for his role in Rogers' slaying. He faces a recommended sentence of 17 years when he is sentenced Aug. 6.
Witness testimony will pick back up at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
More Crystal Rogers Coverage:
Prosecution in Crystal Rogers murder trial tells jury Brooks Houck's brother, mother were involved
Trial Blog | Witness testimony begins in Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson's murder trial
Steve Lawson found guilty on all charges in connection to Crystal Rogers' murder
Steve Lawson's mother expressed anger with him for his role in Crystal Rogers' murder
Brooks Houck's brother and mother are suspects in Crystal Rogers' disappearance, prosecutor says
Timeline of the 10 years leading up to the 2nd Crystal Rogers murder trial
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