LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the three defendants in the Crystal Rogers case made additional arguments to have a separate trial on Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • One of the three defendants in the Crystal Rogers case made additional arguments to have a separate trial on Friday

  • Both Steven and Joseph Lawson appeared in court on Friday

  • Joseph's lawyers argued further why his case needs to be tried separately

  • Trial is expected to begin Feb. 10 in Warren County

Rogers, a 35-year-old mother of five, disappeared in July 2015 and is presumed dead. Her car was found abandoned on the Bluegrass Parkway, and her body has never been found. 

The three suspects are Brooks Houck, Rogers’ boyfriend at the time, and Steven and Joseph Lawson, a father-son duo. Houck is charged with murder and both Lawsons are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Friday’s court hearing focused on Joseph Lawson.

His lawyers cited case law to argue further on why his case needs to be tried separately. In response, Nelson County Judge Charles Sims asked for the additional arguments in a brief so he could review all the details.

With a trial date of Feb. 10 inching closer, all parties are preparing to defend their clients.

“Your honor, if I may, I had a few items to add to our motion for severance if the court would allow,” said Robert Boyd, who is defending Joseph.

On Oct. 18, Joseph’s lawyers filed a supplemental motion to argue why his case needs to be tried separately from Brooks Houck and Steven Lawson.

In court Friday, Boyd added to that argument.

“I did want to address that issue that we kind of lightly touched on in our filing that was of the gross disparity of evidence between Mr. Houck, especially and Joseph Lawson. And then what I believe is an unavoidable bleed over of evidence from this, from Mr. Houck, causing prejudice against Mr. Lawson,” Boyd said. 

Boyd cited case law from New York arguing prejudice, unfairness and disadvantage through previous testimony against his client. But before Boyd could argue more, Judge Simms intervened.

“I’m in the middle of a circus upstairs, so,” Simms said.

“It took a little while to find the case law because it does seem to be an issue of first impression in Kentucky courts. So I apologize to the court and the prosecution in the matter, but I did want to bring it to the court’s attention,” Boyd said.

Boyd said in court he will file his case law brief by Friday and the prosecution said they will respond by Monday.

Once all parties have made their motions, Simms will review the case and decide whether to consolidate or try the case separately.

The trial will be held in Warren County in February next year. 

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