BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The prosecution rested its case against Steven Lawson on Thursday and the defense began its case.
During the defense’s opening statement, they admitted Lawson tampered with evidence when he picked up his son, Joseph Lawson, on the Bluegrass Parkway the night Crystal Rogers disappeared. They claim Joseph Lawson was driving Rogers’ car, and it got a flat tire.
Thursday afternoon Lawson’s defense team began calling witnesses.
Dr. Karl Reich testified via Zoom, offering his expertise in DNA profiling. Reich testified DNA profiling of hairs and other biological material is widely used in law enforcement investigation.
Reich was called to testify about hairs found in Crystal Rogers’ car. The hair had never been tested by investigators, but remain in evidence.
According to Reich, evidence such as hair “don’t improve with age,” and “gets worse over time.”
Two defense witnesses did not show up for testimony.
Earlier in the day, former FBI agent Mike Shafer was questioned. In 2020, he was assigned to interview Lawson.
The defense asked Shafer if he also interviewed the brother of Brooks’ Houck—Nick. Shafer confirmed interviewing Nick Houck, saying the FBI had information suggesting Nick Houck was involved in Rogers’ disappearance.
Special Prosecutor Shane Young also questioned Shafer, asking, “Would it surprise you that Nick Houck is named as an unindicted co-conspirator in Crystal Rogers’ disappearance?”
“No,” Shafer responded.
“Would it surprise you that [Brooks Houck’s mother] Rosemary Houck is named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Crystal Rogers disappearance?” Young asked.
“No,” Shafer said.
The prosecution wrapped up its case by letting the jury hear recorded phone calls made by Lawson while he was in custody at the Nelson County Jail. Lawson made two calls—one to his mother and another to an unnamed woman.
Lawson told his mother that he’d picked up his son, Joseph, on the Bluegrass Parkway while moving Rogers’ vehicle On July 3, 2015.
Lawson’s mother asked him why he didn’t go to the state police after Rogers went missing, with Lawson saying he should have.
During the conversation with the unnamed woman, the other voice insisted Lawson knew Houck was going to kill Rogers, saying, “You could’ve saved her. You could have saved that girl’s life.”
Once the prosecution rested, Wolff moved for acquittal of Lawson on the conspiracy to commit murder charge. Wolff maintained a reasonable jury would vote to acquit Lawson after hearing the prosecution’s case.
Judge Charles Simms denied the motion.
The defense expects to call more witnesses on Friday with closing arguments to follow.
Rogers hasn’t been seen since the night of July 3. Her car was found abandoned with a flat tire on the Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown. Rogers’ keys, phone and purse were still inside of the red Chevrolet Impala.
The 35-year-old mother of five is presumed dead, even though her body has never been found.
Lawson is one of three men charged in connection with the 2015 disappearance of Rogers.
Lawson was charged Dec. 8, 2023 with tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy to commit murder. Lawson’s son and Houck, Rogers’ boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, have also been charged in the case.
Prosecutors are trying to prove Lawson knew about Rogers’ disappearance and death and helped cover it up.
Joseph Lawson and Houck will be tried together in June.
