Crystal Rogers case; Former Nelson Co. Detective Jon Snow called to sentencing
– 3 min read
According to court documents released Monday, the man who led the investigation for the first five years after Crystal was reported missing will be at sentencing next month.
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Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are set to be sentenced to prison time for their roles in the death and disappearance of Crystal Rogers next month. Now we are starting to see who may be present at that hearing.
Former Nelson County Detective Jon Snow has been subpoenaed to appear at the hearing on behalf of the commonwealth.
Snow led the investigation from 2015 until his retirement from the department in 2019.
He testified for hours at both of the trials in the case, and even got emotional after hearing the guilty verdicts. Snow was seen hugging family members and other investigators in tears.
PICTURES: a look inside Crystal Rogers’ abandoned car
When Crystal Rogers’ family found her car abandoned on the side of the Bluegrass Parkway they immediately called police and pictures were taken. Those pictures were shared for first time eight years later, at trial. “I’m Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest
Shay McAlister
J. Lawson and Houck were supposed to be sentenced last week, but the hearing was delayed due to ongoing serious health issues with Joseph Lawosn. His attorney confirmed the defendant was very ill and unable to attend sentencing on the original August date.
What to expect at sentencing
The sentencing hearing is the final step in a 10 year long journey for justice.
In July, a Warren County jury delivered swift justice after deliberating for just four hours.
Houck was found guilty of murder and tampering with physical evidence and Lawson was found guilty of tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy to commit murder.
The jury's sentencing recommendation came even faster than the verdict, in just a matter of minutes they recommended the maximum penalty: life in prison plus five additional years for evidence tampering for Houck and 25 years in prison for Lawson.
The formal sentencing hearing will likely include 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.
The new date has been set for September 17th at 2:30 p.m.
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