Crystal Rogers murder case will bring 'circus-like atmosphere' to Kentucky community

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WDRB) -- Next week, Warren County, Kentucky, will play host to one of the most high-profile murder trials central Kentucky has ever seen. The first trial in the Crystal Rogers murder case kicks off Tuesday in Bowling Green at the Warren County Justice Center.

The quiet and quaint city is about to get some out-of-town visitors.

"We've had our fair share of high-profile cases, but this is a circus-like atmosphere," Alan Simpson, an attorney in Bowling Green, said Thursday.

Steve Lawson, one of three men charged in connection with Rogers' disappearance and presumed death, is scheduled to stand trial May 27. His case was moved out of Nelson County due to intense publicity surrounding the investigation.

Lawson's son, Joseph Lawson, and Rogers' boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, Brooks Houck, are also facing charges and are scheduled for trial in June.

Rogers was last seen alive on July 3, 2015, during the Fourth of July weekend. Her car was later found abandoned, running on the side of the Bluegrass Parkway with her purse still inside. She has never been found but is presumed dead.

Her family is still waiting for answers.

"People here are generally familiar with what the allegations are, but I think with enough jurors summons in, which I'm sure they've done, they won't have any trouble finding a jury in Warren County," Simpson said.

The first row of the courtroom will be reserved for media, but quite a few restrictions are being placed on media coverage inside. Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III, who is presiding over Lawson's trial, has banned all recording devices — including cameras and cellphones — from the courtroom.

"Unfortunately, this case has generated tremendous interest among the news media and the general public, which has resulted in a 'circuslike atmosphere,'" Simms wrote in an order issued Tuesday.

It marks the first time in more than 20 years on the bench that Simms has barred cameras in the courtroom. He said his goal is to preserve a fair and dignified trial.

"This Court finds that the trial proceeding must be conducted in a dignified manner without the distraction of anyone recording this proceeding with any electronic device," Simms wrote. "Unfortunately, this Court believes that it must impose limitations herein to assure a fair trial."

Only those physically present in the courtroom will be allowed to watch the trial, and reporters will only be permitted to report on what happens at the trial during breaks. The court will not provide a media room, and video recordings of the trial will only be available through the court after the fact — often taking several days to obtain.

"These jurors need to basically be anonymous to the public," Simpson said. "They're 12 people who ... (are) having to come to court and decide peoples lives. And so I think it really protects them."

Family and friends are expected to fill several seats during the trial, but bailiffs in Bowling Green said the remainder will be first come, first served.

"This is a great place to get a fair trial, which is what everyone deserves," Simpson said.

Simms also prohibited attendees from wearing any clothing or accessories displaying photos, names, or images related to anyone involved in the case.

Steve Lawson faces 10-20 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, and 1-5 years for tampering with physical evidence.

The trial begins May 27. The trial for Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck is scheduled for June 24 at the same courthouse in Bowling Green.

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