Paid Subscriber Content 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
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
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
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
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
Credit: Clark County Detention Center Shay Originals Kentucky serial killer? The Brian Epperson case Law enforcement agencies across the state are investigating three suspicious deaths that all appear to be connected to one man, and detectives believe there could be more victims. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and By Shay McAlister • 8 min read
Nicolee Burks and her fiance Roberto Davila, owners of Big Nita Cheesecakes Shay Originals Sweat, sacrifice & sweet success; the story behind Louisville's top dessert shop Big Nita's Cheesecakes sells out every day they're open. The business has gone "viral" more than once, bringing in customers from across the country. But this business was born out of desperation and the owners never forget that. "I'm Shay McAlister, By Shay McAlister • 11 min read
Heather Teague was 23 years old when she disappeared Shay Originals 30 years later: KY mother fights for truth in daughter's disappearance case Tuesday marks 30 years since Sarah Teague got a phone call that would change her life forever. Three decades later, she says she feels no closer to getting answers. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion By Shay McAlister • 7 min read
Bardstown Cases 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 By Shay McAlister • 4 min read
Bardstown Cases Evidence unsealed in Crystal Rogers case "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 the free newsletter or subscribe to support our mission. Much of the evidence shared during the three weeks of trial By Shay McAlister • 4 min read
