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Brooks Houck Appeals Life Sentence in Crystal Rogers Murder to Kentucky Supreme Court

The appeal centers on alleged trial errors by Judge Charles Simms.

Overview

  • Houck filed a notice on Oct. 6 to take his case to the Kentucky Supreme Court seeking to overturn his murder and evidence-tampering convictions.
  • The filing challenges six rulings, including the judge’s refusal to recuse, the consolidation with co-defendant Joseph Lawson, evidentiary decisions, and denials of acquittal and a new trial.
  • A Nelson County jury convicted Houck this summer, and he was sentenced to life in prison in September in connection with Rogers’ 2015 disappearance.
  • Co-defendant Joseph Lawson has also initiated an appeal after receiving a 25-year sentence, while his father, Steven Lawson, is serving a 17-year term.
  • Prosecutors said Houck conspired with the Lawsons to kill Rogers and dispose of evidence, with Steven Lawson testifying about moving her vehicle, and Rogers’ body has never been found.