BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- After nearly a decade of investigation and courtroom proceedings, the search for justice in the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers may soon reach a conclusion.
Closing arguments are set to begin this week in the high-profile trial of Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck, both accused of playing roles in Rogers' 2015 disappearance.
Lawson's attorney is expected to deliver a brief 30-minute closing statement Monday, while Houck's defense team plans to take up to two hours to argue for his innocence.
Following a lunch break, prosecutors will present their final arguments, aiming to convince the jury that both men were involved in Rogers' disappearance and death. The case has been largely circumstantial, with no body, no confirmed crime scene and no confession.
Defense attorneys have repeatedly asked the judge to dismiss the case, citing insufficient evidence. However, several key moments from the past two weeks of testimony will weigh heavily on jurors as they begin deliberations.
Among the most significant:
- A cadaver dog alerted to the presence of human remains in the trunk of a white Buick owned by Houck's grandmother. The defense questioned the reliability of the dog's training.
- A hair found in the trunk was similar to Rogers', but no DNA profile could be developed to confirm or exclude her as the source.
- Women's underwear, hair and clothing were discovered buried beneath a driveway and sidewalk at a home built by Houck's construction company. Again, no DNA profile was obtained.
- Investigators revealed that Houck lied to police about his whereabouts July 3, 2015. While he claimed to be visiting various businesses, cellphone data placed him at the Houck family farm from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Houck also told police he and Rogers returned home after midnight and that she stayed up playing games on her phone. However, phone records show her activity stopped at 9:23 p.m., shortly before her phone was turned off.
The jury is expected to begin deliberations Tuesday. It remains unclear how long it will take to reach a verdict.
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