Guilty verdicts in Crystal Rogers murder trial prompt emotional homecoming in Bardstown

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- It didn't take long for the news that Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson had been found guilty by a jury in the Crystal Rogers murder case to reach Bardstown on Tuesday afternoon.

It took even less time for crowds of supporters in pink to mobilize, welcoming Rogers' family home with cheers, waves, smiles and tears after an emotional day in court and a verdict that has been a decade in the making.

Waiting on the sidewalk in downtown Bardstown for Rogers' family — her mother, Sherry Ballard, her children and extended family — tears began to fall as a white police cruiser leading a short caravan of SUVs turned around the old Nelson County Courthouse.

That caravan led the family home from the trial in Warren County, slowing down just long enough for the emotion to catch up and Ballard to wave to the hundreds of community members showing their support.

"Justice served today. The whole town is elated," said Kim Harol, a neighbor of the family. "It's been a rough 10 years, especially for her. I'm glad she got a little bit of justice and hopefully she will get more."

Two hours earlier, Third Street downtown was quiet. But as news started to come into the city that Houck and Lawson had been found guilty on all charges by a jury, pink ribbons were tied to utility poles and placed in flower planters as a crowd began to gather.

With every car and truck that passed by the crowd and honked, there was an eruption of cheers. Some in the crowd began chanting "it's not over yet," holding pink signs showing their support.

IMAGES | Supporters in Bardstown hold emotional homecoming for Crystal Rogers family

But behind all of the signs, chants for justice, pink ribbons, T-shirts and yard signs, there is a sense there is more—that the story isn't over yet for the Ballard family.

"The Ballards (were) very likeable," Harol said. "Everybody loved them. A very Christian family, and this was a tragedy."

Rogers' memory has roamed the streets of her hometown for 10 years since her July 3, 2015 disappearance. Her body has never been recovered.

"There is healing, but I don't know if it will ever be healed," Harol said.

If you're of the belief that everybody has a soul, some of Rogers' may have been found in every person that lined the street Tuesday, showing the Ballards and Rogers' children that their support is unwavering.

"We can't bring her back, but justice is served and we feel great about it," Harol said.

Houck, 43, was Rogers' boyfriend at the time of her 2015 disappearance and the father of her youngest child. He was found guilty by a jury Tuesday of murder (principal or accomplice to the crime) and complicity tampering with physical evidence.

His co-defendant, 34-year-old Joseph Lawson, who was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence, was found guilty on both charges as well. His father, Steve Lawson, was convicted of the same charges and sentenced to 17 years in prison in May.

The jury recommended maximum sentences for both men: life in prison plus five years for Houck and 25 years for Lawson. Both would have to serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole.

A final sentencing hearing will held Aug. 21.

The FBI Louisville Field Office issued a statement following Tuesday's verdict that came five years after it launched "Operation Justice Rising" in the fall of 2020.

"Five years later, after countless hours spent conducting numerous interviews and searches, analyzing evidence, collaborating with various FBI Headquarters entities, and coordinating with our federal, state and local partners, we are proud of the pivotal role we played in seeking justice for Crystal Rogers and her family," the statement read. "We recognize today's guilty verdicts would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of our law enforcement partners at the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, United States Attorney's Office-Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky State Police, Internal Revenue Service, Nelson County Sheriff's Office, and the Bardstown Police Department. We hope this outcome brings some semblance of peace to Crystal's family and the larger Bardstown community. The FBI will always stand with its partners to pursue justice no matter how long it takes."

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also issued a statement following the verdict Tuesday that said "justice was delivered."

"Today, justice was delivered in a Bowling Green courtroom. Our commonwealth never forgot Crystal Rogers, her children, and loved ones," Coleman said. "Prosecutor Shane Young and law enforcement's dedication to justice, coupled with the tenacity of Rogers' family, is the reason for this victory."

Crystal Rogers Murder Trial Coverage:

Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson found guilty of all charges in Crystal Rogers' murder

Prosecutor calls Brooks Houck a murderer: Crystal Rogers 'left with him' but 'didn't come home'

Defense rests in Crystal Rogers murder trial after claim of 'coercive interview tactics'

Defense in Crystal Rogers murder trial targets K-9 evidence, phone data