BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A jury has delivered a verdict in the high-profile trial of Brooks Houck, finding him guilty of murdering his girlfriend Crystal Rogers, who vanished in 2015. The jury, consisting of six men and six women, deliberated for four hours before reaching its decision on July 8, 2025. Alongside Houck, co-defendant Joseph “Joey” Lawson was also found guilty.

Throughout the trial, which took place at the Warren County Justice Center, Houck faced charges not only of murder but also of tampering with physical evidence in connection with Rogers’ disappearance. The jury’s verdict comes after a lengthy investigation involving numerous testimonies and evidence presented in court.

In the closing arguments, defense attorneys maintained Houck’s innocence, arguing that the prosecution’s case was built on circumstantial evidence. They asserted that the Commonwealth had no definitive proof linking Houck to the crime and questioned the reliability of witness accounts brought forth.

Prior to the jury’s deliberation, the trial featured compelling testimonies, including that of Houck’s sister, Rhonda McIlvoy. She described her relationship with Rogers and emphasized the close bond they shared, countering the defense’s portrayal of Houck. Additionally, evidence presented by search and rescue experts indicated that a trained dog responded positively to a vehicle linked to Houck, heightening the gravity of the case against him.

Witnesses also discussed potential conversations overheard regarding “moving a body,” implicating both Houck and Lawson further in the case. Testimonies from law enforcement and friends of Rogers painted a troubling picture of events leading up to her disappearance, fueling public interest and concern in the community.

As the trial marked a significant moment for Rogers’ family and friends, they awaited clarity and closure regarding her fate. Throughout the proceedings, emotions ran high as the judge, attorneys, and jurors navigated the complexities of a case that has haunted the Bowling Green area for nearly a decade.

With the verdict now delivered, sentencing for Houck and Lawson is expected to follow, and the focus remains on the implications this case will have on local law enforcement and future investigations concerning missing persons in the region.

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