BARDSTOWN, Ky. — One week after Brooks Houck was arrested for the death of his girlfriend Crystal Rogers, the Nelson County courthouse was buzzing on Oct. 5, 2023.
Houck was expected to be arraigned on his charges and his team of attorneys planned to request his $10 million bond be significantly reduced.
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The courtroom was packed with Rogers’ family and dozens of people from all over the state who knew about her disappearance. As the courtroom filled, turning to standing room only, a sea of pink on both sides stood out and emphasized just how many people knew of Rogers’ case.
But what came next, no one could have expected.
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The Truth Will Set you Free
Houck appeared in court over a video feed. As Judge Charles Simms entered the courtroom, like so many aspects of Rogers’ case, it became apparent rather quickly this wouldn’t be a typical arraignment.
Special Prosecutor Shane Young said there were thousands of pages of evidence, making up more than a terabyte of data.
Houck’s attorney, Brian Butler, argued there’s so much evidence there’s no way a trial could begin any sooner than 2025.
PHOTOS: Brooks Houck's arraignment in Crystal Rogers death
Bond discussions take a turn when Young alleges Houck’s family recorded nearly five hours worth of grand jury proceedings in secret.
“I think everyone in this courtroom knows why,” he argued. “To make sure everyone’s story is consistent.”
But Butler remained focused on the bond, which he called “oppressive.” Young says Houck is the first multi-millionaire he’s ever prosecuted for murder.
In considering the bond, Simms said one of his biggest concerns was the safety of witnesses and asked prosecutors if they planned to move forward with any other investigations.
That’s when Rogers’ case took an unexpected turn in the biggest bombshell yet.
Young officially links the Houck brothers to Tommy Ballard’s death and says his case could be connected to his daughter’s murder. He added that prosecutors believe they have the gun that killed Ballard and that it was purchased from Houck’s brother, former Bardstown Police officer Nick Houck.
Nick Houck has never been arrested or charged in connection to either Tommy Ballard or Crystal Rogers' death.
"It's been stated before the truth will set you free," Young said. "The problem in this matter is the truth will imprison Brooks Houck."
Weeks after the shocking hearing, Rogers’ mother, Sherry Ballard, breaks her silence and speaks to WHAS11 Investigative Reporter Shay McAlister in a one-on-one interview.
Episode four of "Back to Bardstown" will be released on the WHAS11 YouTube channel on Monday, April 15. It will be released on Spotify and Apple Podcasts on Tuesday, April 16.
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