The wait for justice continues, sentencing delayed for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson

Nelson County Judge Charles Simms delayed the sentencing that was scheduled for Thursday due to ongoing medical issues with Joseph Lawson.

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A community that has been desperate for closure for more than a decade will have to wait a little bit longer. The final court date in the Crystal Rogers case has been delayed by one month, due to serious medical issues with one of the defendants.

Judge Charles Simms released the ruling on Monday, just days before the scheduled sentencing. He wrote, "the court must continue the final sentencings due to the ongoing serious health issues of the defendant, Joseph Lawson."

When I spoke to Lawson's attorney Bobby Boyd on the phone Monday evening, he confirmed Lawson is experiencing serious health issues related to his paraplegia. I asked if he would be able to attend sentencing in September and the attorney declined to answer that question.

This news is tough for Crystal Rogers' family, who were preparing to speak face to face with the man convicted of killing her. The emotional testimony at sentencing hearings is known at victim impact statements. During Steve Lawson's sentencing earlier this month, both Crystal's uncle Mike Ballard and Crystal's sister Brooke Bryan spoke to the man convicted in Crystal's death and disappearance.

We are expecting to hear from at least five of Crystal's family members during the Houck/Lawson sentencing that is now scheduled for September.

What to expect September 17th

While the jury has already recommended maximum sentences- life plus five years for Brooks Houck and 25 years for Joseph Lawson- the final decision rests with the judge. Under Kentucky law, Houck would be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of a life sentence.

The formal sentencing hearing will likely include additional victim impact statements from Rogers' family and final arguments from defense attorneys. Given the high-profile nature of the case and the decade-long wait for justice, the courtroom is expected to be packed with family members, media, and community supporters.

Sentencing is now set for September 17th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at the Nelson County Courthouse.

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