Families of victims of 3 unsolved murders in Nelson County wait for answers after new search

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Questions remain after the FBI was back in Nelson County this week focusing on one of three unsolved cases.

Federal investigators searched a wooded area off Thompson Hill Road.

Special Prosecutor Shane Young wouldn't confirm the specific details of the search, but he said it's in connection to one of three unsolved cases: Crystal Rogers, her father, Tommy Ballard, and former Bardstown Officer Jason Ellis. Young is the special prosecutor in all three cases.

No information was released about which case renewed interest from investigators, or what led to this location.

The cases have remained unsolved for years, and many are waiting for answers in the Bardstown community and beyond.

"Not a day that goes by that we don't talk about it and think about it. It's just, not knowing where Crystal's at," said Till Ballard, Crystal Rogers' grandfather on Wednesday.

Our WDRB drone captured the area behind a three car garage where video shows dirt turned over where there had been fresh digging.

Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis was shot and killed in May 2013. He was ambushed on an exit ramp off the Bluegrass Parkway. His killer remains unknown.

The Ellis Family released a statement to WDRB on Thursday:

"There are several ongoing investigations that this week’s events could be part of. We continue to appreciate all of the endless hours of hard work and effort put in by all the law enforcement agencies to solve these cases. My prayer continues to be that God will guide them so that ultimately justice will be served for those that committed these senseless acts and that all the families will have closure."

Crystal Rogers was last seen in July 2015.

"That's what we've been waiting for for 8 1/2 years, you know, closure on Crystal, finding her remains," said Till Ballard.

In September, two people were arrested in connection with Rogers' disappearance, including her former boyfriend, Brooks Houck. He's now charged with murder and in jail on a $10 million bond.

Nelson County resident Joseph L. Lawson pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in Rogers' case.

Rogers' father, Tommy Ballard, was shot and killed in November 2016 while hunting. The family has said from the beginning they don't believe his death was an accident.

From this latest search, the public hasn't been told what -- or if anything -- has been found.

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