Sentencing in Crystal Rogers' murder postponed due to Joseph Lawson's 'serious health issues'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The sentencing hearing for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson following their convictions in the murder of Crystal Rogers was postponed Monday due to Lawson's "ongoing serious health issues."

The hearing was originally scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21 in Nelson County. The judge rescheduled it for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Last month, a jury of six men and six women found Houck, 43, guilty of murder (principal or accomplice to the crime) and complicity tampering with physical evidence. His co-defendant, 34-year-old 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.

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