LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron appointed a special prosecutor to investigate several unsolved Nelson County cases.

In the letter, Commonwealth's Attorney Shane Young is appointed to look into the prosecution of any potential criminal charges, or other criminal activity, related to the deaths of Jason Ellis, Crystal Rogers and Tommy Ballard. 

Bardstown Police officer Jason Ellis was on his way home from a shift on May 25, 2013, when he was ambushed clearing debris from the road, shot and killed.  Shell casings from a 12-gauge shotgun were found at the scene the day of the murder. The police officer's weapon was still in his holster.

Crystal 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.

The FBI took over the investigation into Rogers' disappearance two years ago. Since then, the agency has executed multiple search warrants in Bardstown.

Tommy Ballard, Rogers' father, was shot in the chest and killed on Nov. 19, 2016. It happened right as he was about to go hunting on family property in Nelson County with his young grandson. While police initially called his death a hunting accident, Sherry Ballard has said from the beginning that it was no accident. She believes her husband was murdered. 

The families of Ellis, Rogers and Ballard are applauding the appointment. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the support we continue to receive from the law enforcement community as well as their efforts in solving Jason’s murder. This recent change shows how committed all levels of law enforcement are to solving his case," said Amy Brown, the widow of Jason Ellis. "It will only help to have fresh eyes on these unsolved cases that have caused a lot of pain in our community. As we are approaching the 10-year anniversary this brings renewed hope that Jason’s murder will be brought to justice so that we can finally have some closure."

Legal expert and Louisville attorney Thomas Clay said naming a special prosecutor is the right call.

"I don't believe that Mr. Young would have taken this appointment unless he was willing to devote the time necessary to do what needs to be done and I've known Shane Young for years," Clay said. "Things don't seem to be going anywhere and I know there's information out there that would be available and valuable to those seeking to get to the bottom of this."

None of the three cases have made it to court. 

The FBI executed extensive searches of a 200-acre farm belonging to the family of Brooks Houck. Houck, who was Rogers' boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, was the only suspect ever named in the Rogers' case.

After federal agents searched last October, evidence was sent to a lab in Quantico.

Sherry Ballard said she has met with the special prosecutor already on several occasions. 

"We get one shot at this and it has to be done right," Ballard said. "I want them to make sure they have all the Is dotted and Ts crossed before this goes to trial."

Ballard believes her husband and daughter's cases are connected to the murder of Jason Ellis.

"I've always thought things were connected from day one, because of the people involved," Ballard said.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General's office released this statement:

"The Office of Attorney General has made some administrative adjustments in the case in order to streamline a continued effort toward justice for the victims, their families, and the people of Nelson County.  These minor alterations clarified lines of authority in order to make the combined efforts of the dedicated law enforcement officials involved more efficient in pursuing an investigation."

Krista Buckel, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Daniel Cameron, told WDRB News that the reason the Netherland case wasn't included in this was because the Office of the Attorney General was asked not to intervene in the case.

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