BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- The disappearance of Crystal Rogers has haunted a community for eight years, but it's impact brings along another tragedy: a 10-year-old boy who's mother is presumed dead and who's father now charged with her murder.
Two days after Brooks Houck was arrested in Rogers' death, a new battle emerged Friday at the Nelson County Courthouse, a closed hearing centered on the son they share. Rogers' family and Houck's family are both trying to gain custody of the boy.
Rosemary Houck, Brooks' mother, walked out of the courthouse without saying a word. And, at another point, so did Houck's sister.
When Rogers disappeared her son was 2-years-old. Her mother, Sherry Ballard filed a petition for grandparent visitation just weeks after Rogers went missing. A judge initially granted Ballard visitation times with her grandson on alternating weekends. But a three-judge panel overruled that decision in November 2018.
Ultimately, in June 2022, Judge Stephen Hayden made the final decision denying Ballard custody and visitation. His ruling said Ballard publicly and continually said she believes Houck killed her daughter.
Brooks Houck led into Nelson County Detention Center on Sept. 27, 2023. Houck was arrested in connection with the murder of missing Bardstown woman Crystal Rogers.
Rogers' other four children have no relation to Houck.
Rogers was last seen on July 3, 2015. The next day, her car was found on the side of the Bluegrass Parkway with her purse, phone, and keys still inside. But there was no sign of the mother of five. Houck was quickly named the main person of interest because he was the last known person to see her alive when they were at his family farm the night of July 3.
Houck, Rogers' former boyfriend, was arrested Wednesday after a grand jury indicted him Sept. 20. Just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, Houck was escorted into the Nelson County jail in handcuffs. He was then taken to the Hardin County Detention Center, where he's currently being held. His bond was set at $10 million and his arraignment was set for 1 p.m. Oct. 5.
Over the years, the Houck family farm, the homes of Brooks Houck and his brother, Nick, have been searched multiple times, along with a storage unit belonging to Rogers. And, most recently, in 2022, the FBI was back at the Houck farm for a five-day search. In 2021, the driveway of a home built by Houck in the Woodlawn Springs neighborhood was ripped up by the FBI, using SONAR equipment, backhoes and K-9s to search the property.
The outcome of Friday's hearing is being kept confidential, but, when asked if she felt good as she left the courthouse, Ballard smiled and said yes.
Houck's arraignment hearing on murder and tampering with evidence charges is expected to be held at the Nelson County Courthouse on October 5.
Related Stories:
- After long custody battle, Crystal Rogers' mother denied right to see her grandson
- Judge upholds court ruling denying Sherry Ballard the right to see her grandson until custody case resolved
- Judge rules Crystal Rogers' son can no longer see his grandmother, Sherry Ballard
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