What's next in the Crystal Rogers case: the expert deep dive
– 14 min read
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.
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After ten years of investigation and months of highly publicized trials, Brooks Houck was sentenced to life in prison and Joseph Lawson received 25 years for their roles in the 2015 murder of Crystal Rogers. Wednesday's emotional sentencing hearing provided some closure for the Ballard family, but it also left me with burning questions about what this all really means- and what could be coming next.
The reality is, most people don't understand how the appeals process works, what these men's actual chances of getting out of prison are, or whether we might see more arrests in this sprawling investigation. So I reached out to two experts who can provide the insider perspective we need: veteran attorney Nick Mudd, who has been following the case closely through his professional relationships with all the defense teams, and a law enforcement source close to the investigation who asked to remain anonymous.
Their insights reveal a complex road ahead- from the appeals process to potential future prosecutions and the harsh realities of parole in high-profile murder cases.
They also gave us the first real look behind the curtain at what could be happening in the other Bardstown case- we discuss the rifle testing in Tommy Ballard's case, if Jason Ellis' case is connected to the other two, and the possibility of finding Crystal's body after all of this time.
The appeals process: a marathon, not a sprint
Both Steve Lawson, who was sentenced in August, and Joseph Lawson have signaled their intent to appeal their convictions. Still, according to Attorney Nick Mudd, this process will unfold very differently than the public might expect. The appeals won't even be filed for several months, despite notices already being submitted.
