Judge Separates Trials in Crystal Rogers Case

A Nelson County judge has ruled that Steven Lawson will face a separate trial from his co-defendants, Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson, in the case regarding the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers. Steven Lawson's trial is scheduled for February 10, 2025, while Houck and Joseph Lawson will be tried together, with their new trial date to be set on December 5, 2024. The judge's decision to separate the trials was based on concerns that Steven Lawson's testimony, which could unfairly prejudice the other defendants, would not be admissible in a joint trial. Crystal Rogers, a mother of five, went missing in July 2015, and her body has yet to be found. While all three men have pleaded not guilty, Houck faces charges of murder and evidence tampering, while the Lawsons are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and evidence tampering. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the complexities of the case, which has garnered significant media attention and public interest.