Tue Jul 08 17:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Houck, Lawson Found Guilty in Crystal Rogers Murder Case After Years-Long Investigation**

**BOWLING GREEN, KY (WAVE) -** A Warren County jury has delivered a verdict in the highly publicized Crystal Rogers murder case, finding Brooks Houck guilty of murder (principal or accomplice) and tampering with evidence, and Joseph Lawson guilty of conspiracy to murder and tampering with evidence. The verdict comes after a decade-long investigation into the disappearance of Rogers in 2015.

The jury deliberated for four hours Tuesday before reaching their decision. The courtroom erupted in emotion as the verdict was read, with Rogers’ family members weeping and expressing gratitude.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution built its case on circumstantial evidence and witness testimony, as no body, murder weapon, or crime scene had ever been found. A key piece of evidence for the jury was testimony from Charlie Girdley, who claimed Joseph Lawson told him he would bury something with a skid steer and no one would ever find it, and that Steven Lawson told him Houck wanted to “get rid of his old lady.”

The defense attorneys argued there was a lack of physical evidence and attempted to discredit key witnesses. Houck’s attorney called the case “garbage,” highlighting the absence of concrete proof. Lawson’s attorney described the case against his client as a “witch hunt.”

The prosecution, however, urged the jury to use their “God-given common sense,” pointing to inconsistencies in Houck’s timeline and behaviors following Rogers’ disappearance.

The jury, composed of six men and six women, requested to review Charlie Girdley’s testimony and obtain a whiteboard during deliberations. They specifically focused on his timeline of events on July 3rd, 2015, and statements he attributed to Joseph Lawson, Brooks Houck, and Rosemary Houck regarding Rogers.

The sentencing for Houck and Lawson is pending. The Crystal Rogers case has gripped the community for years, and the verdict marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Rogers and her family.

Read More