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Bardstown Cases

The latest developments in the Crystal Rogers, Tommy Ballard, and Jason Ellis cases including comprehensive case updates, and breaking news as law enforcement continues working toward answers for these families and the Bardstown community.

Still waiting for answers: inside Till and Betty Ballard's long history of grief and determination

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Still waiting for answers: inside Till and Betty Ballard's long history of grief and determination

Till and Betty Ballard have buried their son Tommy and their daughter Sherry, but their granddaughter Crystal still has no grave. They visit two cemeteries every Sunday and wait for answers. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism

By Shay McAlister • 6 min read

From silence to sentencing: Sherry Ballard's first interview since Crystal's case was solved

Bardstown Cases

From silence to sentencing: Sherry Ballard's first interview since Crystal's case was solved

In her first interview since 2023, Sherry Ballard opens up about the silence that scared her, the testimony that broke her, and the guilty verdicts that finally brought justice for Crystal. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism

By Shay McAlister • 21 min read

After a decade of waiting, Crystal Rogers' lead detective reveals: 'We could have prosecuted in 2016'

Bardstown Cases

After a decade of waiting, Crystal Rogers' lead detective reveals: 'We could have prosecuted in 2016'

After years of declining interviews, the lead detective in Kentucky's most notorious missing persons case reveals what really happened behind the scenes. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity. This story is

By Shay McAlister • 11 min read

Both Steve and Joseph Lawson have filed a notice of appeal; so, what happens now?

Bardstown Cases

Both Steve and Joseph Lawson have filed a notice of appeal; so, what happens now?

Two of the three men convicted in the death of Crystal Rogers have filed court documents telling the court they intend to appeal their convictions. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity. Are you

By Shay McAlister • 6 min read

Court puts the brakes on Brooks Houck's property deals in Crystal Rogers civil case

Bardstown Cases

Court puts the brakes on Brooks Houck's property deals in Crystal Rogers civil case

In a new order, the judge has forbidden Brooks Houck from selling or buying any new properties with one exception. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity. Are you new here? Sign up for

By Shay McAlister • 3 min read

What's next in the Crystal Rogers case: the expert deep dive

Bardstown Cases

What's next in the Crystal Rogers case: the expert deep dive

While the sentencing hearing in the Crystal Rogers case brings some finality to the investigation, you and I both know there are still a lot of questions. I worked with a legal analyst and law enforcement expert who's connected to the case to find some answers. "I&

By Shay McAlister • 14 min read

PHOTO ALBUM: hugs, tears, smiles and handwritten notes at the Brooks Houck sentencing — Till and Betty Ballard were all smiles after the sentencing hearing in their granddaughter's murder

Bardstown Cases

PHOTO ALBUM: hugs, tears, smiles and handwritten notes at the Brooks Houck sentencing

Brooks Houck was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday for the murder of Crystal Rogers. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity. This story is is available to paid subscribers only. You can

By Shay McAlister • 6 min read

'You're a sick individual'; Ballard family sounds off to Brooks Houck at sentencing

Bardstown Cases

'You're a sick individual'; Ballard family sounds off to Brooks Houck at sentencing

Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson were sentenced to prison time for their roles in the death and disappearance of Crystal Rogers on Wednesday. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity. Are you new here?

By Shay McAlister • 5 min read

Prosecutors urge judge to deny new trial motions in Crystal Rogers case

Bardstown Cases

Prosecutors urge judge to deny new trial motions in Crystal Rogers case

Prosecutors have filed comprehensive responses urging Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms to deny motions for new trials for both Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity. Are you new

By Shay McAlister • 7 min read

Brooks Houck sentencing: here's how I'm covering it (and what you'll get)

Bardstown Cases

Brooks Houck sentencing: here's how I'm covering it (and what you'll get)

Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson are set to be sentenced to prison time for their role in the death of Crystal Rogers on Wednesday afternoon. I'll be in the courtroom and providing exclusive coverage afterwards. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent,

By Shay McAlister • 3 min read

Joseph Lawson appears well enough to attend sentencing next week

Bardstown Cases

Joseph Lawson appears well enough to attend sentencing next week

By Shay McAlister • 3 min read

Steve Lawson files notice of appeal, looks for conviction to be overturned in Crystal Rogers case

Bardstown Cases

Steve Lawson files notice of appeal, looks for conviction to be overturned in Crystal Rogers case

By Shay McAlister • 3 min read