Crystal Rogers case; prosecution objects to S. Lawson's request for new trial

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Teresa Young, who is married to Shane Young and served as co-prosecutor in the Crystal Rogers case, has filed a comprehensive response to Steve Lawson's request for the judge to either overturn his verdict or grant him a new trial. The lengthy filing addresses several key claims made by the defense.

Hair Evidence Testing Dispute

Lawson argued that he should have been permitted to test two hairs discovered in Crystal Rogers' vehicle. However, the prosecution contends that Lawson showed no interest in testing the hair evidence until he realized it could potentially delay his trial proceedings.

Young emphasized in her response that Lawson "testified on the stand that he picked up his son from Crystal Rogers' vehicle." She argued that this admission would remain unchanged regardless of any results from hair testing found in the vehicle.

Claims of Courtroom Bias

The defense requested a new trial, citing concerns about trial attendees wearing pink clothing. The prosecution dismissed this claim, stating there was "no tangible prejudice to the defendant from the people wearing pink."

Discovery Review Time

Lawson's legal team claimed they were not provided adequate time to review the discovery evidence, arguing that neither the defendant nor his counsel had sufficient opportunity to examine the materials against him.

The prosecution countered this assertion, revealing they had offered to bring Lawson to the jail daily for evidence review beginning in February and continuing through the trial period. According to Young's filing, Lawson never accepted this offer and actually informed jail officials that he had been given ample time to review the discovery materials.

Interaction Between Witnesses

The defense also claimed prejudice occurred when Sherry Ballard and Elizabeth Chesser, Lawson's stepdaughter, spoke during a trial break. During this interaction, Chesser reportedly told Ballard that she hoped Ballard would find peace.

The prosecution argued that this brief exchange did not alter or influence Chesser's testimony in any way.