Crystal Rogers update: Shay McAlister's in-depth look behind the investigation, arrests

There have been major developments in this case in recent weeks. WHAS11's Shay McAlister shares her experiences covering the story for eight years.
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[@Tertia_Optio]

I have SOOO much respect for this broadcast and how you two conduct yourselves.

[@AshleahShortcake]

Crystal Rogers was Brooks Houck's gf/baby mama, Tommy Ballard was Crystal's father/Brooks's almost father-in-law, Brook's brother Nick, was Jason Ellis's coworker. Crystal, Tommy and Jason were all murdered and all 3 lead directly back to the Houck brothers. Tommy and Jason were gunned down in almost the exact same way because Nick did those two murders with Brooks's help and Brooks killed Crystal with Nick's help, that's why the MO's are slightly different. No way that's a coincidence, these two are serial killing brothers! Even if they can't prove it, justice for one is still justice for all and I hope the families take comfort in that.

[@josephdale69]

Perfectly said

[@melindas7959]

I e always thought that Vrystals disappearing had something to do with Jason’s murder. That she knew or found out the truth about what happened to jason and so they killed her. And we all know her father’s murder is connected with hers. There’s no doubt about that.

[@pixiestyx1766]

Two excellent JOURNALISTS. You are both a rare breed in the world of media. No hyperbole or sensationalism ... just straight facts. It’s much appreciated.

[@CountessKitten]

Shay, you and your co-reporter did such an amazing job on this segment and I know, being a Louisville native who currently lives in Bardstown, know how much you've done to help this case and cheered on Crystals family and been a beacon of light in such an other wise horrifying case! Thank you for that! Im so excited to see this monster come to the door of the hell he deserves for what he's done! Not only Crystals brutal murder but im pretty confident, as are most, that he is responsible for Tommy Ballards death too! Its time to pay the piper Brooks! And Nick Houck, YOU ARE NEXT! MARK MY WORDS!!! YOU ARE NEXT

[@belinda1443]

Thank you for connecting the dots, it’s been so many years since all of these horrible crimes happened, it helps people understand just how deep this all runs.

[@stacieannflores395]

We are so grateful for Shay's continued coverage. She's been there since day 1 and I'm excited to watch her see this through. We love you Shay ❤

[@donnabultema2602]

Jason Ellis case also needs to brought back up, I also believe the shady cops in that town k ow what happen, and I wouldn't be surprised if NICK had something to also do with his death, Tommy was killed cuz he knew to much I think. And he was LOUD, criminals do t like LOUD.... may they all rest in peace. I'm just an outsider who don't know anyone, but man their is shady things happening in that town being covered up by the police..

[@Rnnurse2023]

Shay is such an amazing individual, she’s been an excellent advocate for the victims and their families. Praying all these murders are solved . It’s my opinion that Nick will be next .

[@majestic-1]

Hopefully this will lead to an arrest in Tommy's death as well!

[@childtimematters513]

Shay: Keep up the great work. Michigan is watching and waiting. Amazing how many wealthy people are involved in murder cases these days. Frustrating sometimes how long these cases take. Thank you for sharing.

[@PeterGurney-p2r]

I live 40 minutes away from Bardstown. this disappearance /murder has been a very dark cloud hanging over this Kentucky community😢

[@KG-qi4if]

I'm very impressed with the amount of professionalism in your reporting!

[@margaretwiley8146]

Thanks for updating us!

[@Rita-yw2tn]

Shea has done a great job at keeping us updated on everything to do with this case she’s been on it since day one and I for one thank her for sticking with it and for showing some respect for the child involved in all this mess .

[@RocknRolla2023]

This woman is simply amazing. Please Shay keep doing what you’re doing, these families are blessed to have you and we the public certainly are. ❤

[@paulafowler3597]

I stumbled across this video. You both have my respect for how you're reporting on this. I have subscribed to your channel for your honesty. Shay, I hope there is an end to this for the families & for Eric as well. I am going to have to find your podcast as well!! Thank-you for restoring my faith that there are respectable journalists still in the world!!

[@bbe3034]

Shay does an amazing job! So glad the FBI got involved. I hope every corrupt law officer is arrested for protecting Brooks!! I think the Lawson guy helped Brooks bury Crystal’s body. She’s never been found.😢😢

[@pianomanhere]

This is an illustrious example of real reporting and journalism. Excellent work. 👍

[@teresak1177]

Such a great interview! So professional!!!

[@southbug27]

Please do a report on the rules & possible punishment for secretly recording the grand jury testimony, which the entire Houck family, including a live-in boyfriend did in this case. Please make charts with each family members picture, name, relationship to Brooks Houck, known alilibi at the time of the murders of Crystal, Tommy, & the KY state trooper.

[@missionaries7575]

Tommy said I won’t give up till we find her

[@nicola7609]

Crystal's Mum / Tommy's wife just sounds so admirable. Justice for them all ❤

[@g.l.williams1178]

Shays podcast about Bardstown got me hooked early on and I firmly believe that Nick and Brooks are responsible for Tommy Ballards murder and the ambush of Officer Ellis prior to Crystals disappearance ! They’d guys are straight up psychopaths and deserve all that He’ll has to offer ! Prayers to the affected families for Justice!!!

[@childtimematters513]

Sherry’s family would be more nurturing for the child.

[@LisaRent]

This case is heartbreaking. I wonder if the families of the other victims of violence were warned in some way to keep quiet or else. Crystal’s dad may have been warned as well but didn’t heed the warning.

[@sillyybaee4153]

Thankyou for covering crystal!! She so deserves it❤ hugs Sherri and kids. Your in my prayers always❤❤❤

[@guardianangel8462]

Excellent reporting…Very caring and knowledgeable ….Thank you both….

[@marshastewart4718]

I’ve been wondering if crystals, dad, Tommy, had had any communication with the policeman who was ambushed? I wonder if there’s any cell phone activity or inquiries back-and-forth, or anything else documented or that could be found in regard to those to knowing each other. Because they could both be working on the same thing. Praying that this is all resolved for all these people who were murdered.

[@morning77light]

@marshasteward14718- What would they have been working on? Because Jason Ellis was killed in May 2013 and Crystal Rogers didn't go missing until July 2015. Tommy Ballard was killed in 2016 I believe.

[@marshastewart4718]

Thank you MJ for the timeline report. I’ve been picking up bits and pieces of this on KZbin so my comment was really pretty stupid wasn’t it?! I do hope that justice is served for all of these people. Thanks again for straightening me out! Don’t stop!@@morning77light

[@carriev1]

I don’t know about that, but I do know that Jason’s family is convinced the cases are all connected. Officer Jason was the only K9 drug enforcement officer in Nelson County, so that should tell you everything right there.

[@Hollylivengood]

Pretty much everybody in Bardstown has communication with everybody. Everyone knew Jason Elis. Most people knew the Ballard family, they were involved in a lot of things. Tommy was even helping to send my son to a church summer camp when we couldn't afford it. He was like that.

[@Hollylivengood]

@@carriev1 Do they think it might have been to do with all the meth production that was going on in the county? Lot of crazy people involved in that. Jason would have been the guy to take them down. My condolences, by the way, if you knew them. I only lived there a short time, but really loved the Ballard family, they were the kind of people you hoped really existed, but never believed in. But they were all that, and even sweeter. And Jason was a good soul.

[@ZenobiaDecrespin]

Great respectful coverage. ⚖ ⚖ ⚖ for all the victims

[@PaulaWoerner-ck6gr]

You two make a Great Team!!!! Professional and very knowledgeable!!!! God Bless You Both!!!!

[@donnabultema2602]

I can't wait for this guy to go to prison along with his cheap brother, ex cop. glad the FBI was brought in, this case has stayed with me for 8 LONG years, NO way the boyfriend didn't have anything to do with it, I'm Not even a cop and I could tell he was shady in the interview he did with detectives, HOW the detectives let this go was insane, people have been charged with less evidence

[@m.g.2645]

✨OMG, OMG, OMG!!! Absolutely amazing! Thank goodness this day has finally come!!! Thank you to all you wonderful journalists and LE officers, for making this day possible!🙏 Absolutely amazing!!!💕

[@terrilgeiser3042]

Why is the child still with the Brooks family when they record the grand jury. The whole family is Corrupt "what judges would want a child raised by people like that? The child should be with family that fights for Justice. Thank you. Shay, Sherry is a wonderful mother ,grandmother, and wife. She is a very strong woman. Hope she gets custody of her grandson 🙏

[@karenbarnes5517]

I have so much respect for Shay !

[@patsyhughes4542]

BROOKS MOTHER DOESNT DESERVE CUSTODY OF CHILD IT WILL NE RAISED UP TO THINK MURDER IS OK.SHERRY DESERVES TO HAVE HER DAUGHTERS CHILD TO MUCH TIME HAS BEEN LOST ALREADY.BROOKS DONT NEED BOND REDUCED HE WILL RUN!

[@grapenanners282]

I think losing custody of the boy was the main factor of the killing. Brooks was afraid to lose his son.

[@10sherra]

Oh I think that was it too and her getting lump sums of child support Him bringing in a average of 75,000 a month would be a big chunk for child support . People become crazy insane over children and money now days. However could very possibly be Crystal knew more than what they were comfortable in her knowing about them as well .

[@angelfain8040]

I wish I could hear arrests being made for the other murders in that town. At least three other murders besides Crystal and Tommy.

[@melindas7959]

Possibly they are all connected. I’ve always wondered if Crystal disappeared due to her finding out something she shouldn’t have. Like who killed Jason

[@donnamartin7995]

I think there's going to be a lot of questions answered with other cases too.. I truly believe there connected..

[@valafitzpatrick899]

I am from Australia 🇦🇺 and followed this case from the get go. So happy. 👏 👏 👍 👍

[@dawngrimes7361]

I'm SO glad for Crystal and Tommy that he's been arrested, law enforcement in that town swept it under the rug just like in this town and I'm so glad this has happened, dirty, dirty cops!! Now her Mom can breathe easier, I had followed this and I knew him and his brother were involved....seriously involved!! Too many murders in that town and it's sad and pathetic that someone can get away with that

[@SuperFfwife]

Thank you so much, Shay

[@greenbeagle13]

I only know of this because of Shay's amazing podcast. She stayed on this case and made it stay in the light. ❤❤

[@victoriatracey5919]

Shay and her team did an excellent job on the podcast, I listened to all. Thank you Shay 😊

[@kennybaker1026]

Thank you for doing right by the kids. That really says a lot about you.

[@robinearley-hv8kd]

I'm so happy they are finally doing something

[@jamesjoste8655]

Lady is a wonderful person you can tell she’s reporting God bless her

[@cindyfrasheski3910]

I hope they dont lower hos bond. Like barry morphrw he has been walking around free long enough. His brother needs to be attested also. I think prople will still be afraid to come forward, as long as his brother is free.

[@jjfordham4810]

I hope this is also the beginning of finding out what happened to her father as well!!!! No doubt they thought they had gotten away with murder & FINALLY the person responsible is behind bars!!!!!

[@Simple-d9i]

I have followed this story from the beginning. I like probably many others felt it was Brook Houck . First Crystal and then her Father…. Horrible. I believe there is more than one Houck involved.

[@mwgcubs]

Brooks Houck strangled her, and then buried her.

[@onemischiefmaker7032]

We need the courts discoveries open records request!

[@JenniferFox6300]

Not yet.

[@aprillovesgolf7042]

Look forward to all Shay's coverage of this case.

[@ericjasper4472]

Great work Shay. I 1st saw you when you interviewed, well, I don't want to name names but he was in the tiger king mess, had a filthy mouth, him. You are a beacon of light and understanding that others in this field don't have alot of times. It's all about 1st coverage or pics, interviews, you seek the truth and justice everyone deserves that's in this terrible position. God bless you Shay and thank you for being there for Ms Ballard, Idk her, but everytime I see her I can feel her pain as a parent and human being. Prayers she gets the answers she deserves, at the very least , what happened to her child.

[@missionaries7575]

There’s other cases too. A ladies cousin found in a creek. The homeless guy that worked at boons.

[@Hollylivengood]

Wait, which Boon? Which lady's cousin? Been trying to follow through the years.

[@dudemorris7769]

Amazing that all the comments aren’t about the victim but about the journalists. How cold & inconsiderate can so many be?? RIP Crystal

[@Hollylivengood]

Yes. She was such a nice person. That whole family is.

[@adriennem7927]

This case is what brought me to the world of cold cases and deaths. I stsrted watching in 2020 and havent stopped. The babies out in Bakersfield Ca, so many kids that have been taken, and missing women. And i havent stopped. Its addicting and very scary whats up in this country..

[@kimymarie596]

Sounds like the family of the mother and daughter have an idea of who hurt their loved ones. Maybe police do too and they just can’t prove it

[@jeremyhurstcomedy]

What stays in the dark always comes to light 💡

[@trudifrancis1895]

Shay, do you know if they will allow cameras in the courtroom for the trial?

[@chadczternastek]

So crazy I just seen the ID channels show on this case and they ended it with doubt and seen there was an update. Thank God. This is just good news.

[@normascott7551]

Drugs, Drugs, Drugs and more Drugs!

[@LanceB]

Good reporting thank you

[@terrymintle7230]

Wandering what other criminal activity the Houck's are involved in.

[@karenbarnes5517]

Lawson spilled his guts!!!! Hopefully he didn’t get off for telling

[@10sherra]

The man is medically I'll do who knows may have confessed to bunch of stuff or just made a plea deal in exchange for a lighter sentence.

[@iloveTRUMP]

Did Crystal find out something she shouldn't have like the sheriff's deputy being murdered???

[@rsr4099]

Ya'll mentioned the podcast, But didn't mention the podcast?!? What's the name, where do we find it?

[@terrieallen8342]

This is how it should be done. Only the facts and being respectful of the innocent family members ❤

[@RollinTrollin]

Detectives on this case were hoping to be on "The First 48", but they thought that meant months.

[@robinearley-hv8kd]

Anyone else feel like her body was in that concrete they pulled out of the driveway and rushed to quantanomo?

[@lisaaustin4561]

. . . I still don’t know what changed? Why the arrest NOW?

[@adriennem7927]

Phone records. That'd how they get everyone these days

[@paulnorth9375]

WHY DON'T YOU GUYS AT CHANNEL 11 JUST OPENLY CONVECT THIS MAN. I'VE SEEN CHANNEL 11 DO THIS ACT ABOUT 4 BIG TIMES IN THE PAST 20 YEARS.

[@patsyhughes4542]

I DONT KNOW SHERRY BALLARD BUT I COME TO KNOW HER THROUGH HER DAUGHTER THIS WOMAN HAS BEEN CLEAN TO HELL AND BACK I KNOW WHY SHE HASNT DROPPED SHES STANDING TO SEEK JUSTICE ON HER DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND.I WAS BEGINNING TO THINK THE WORLD WOULD NEVER FIND ANSWERS BUT NOW IM KINDA SEEING PROGRESS.I PRAY FOR CRYSTALS KIDS AND I PRAY FOR SHERRY AND HER SON.❤ITS NOT OVER BUT AT LEAST ITS STARTING AND SHERRY AND THE FAMILY CAN FINALLY GET ANSWERS.❤ SHERRY KNOW GOD IS GOOD YOU WILL GET ANSWERS.

[@patsyhughes4542]

YOU WONT HEAR MUCH ON OFFICER UNTIL SOMEBODY GDTS INTO TROUBLE AND SOMEBODY WANTS TO MAKE A DEAL YOUR TALKING ABOUT A KILLING IF A LAW OFFICIER IT CARRIES DEATH SO NOBODYS GONNA TALK.UNTIL.SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GET OUT OF TROUBLE.I PRAY THE FAMILY LOKE THE BALLARDS I HOPE THEY CAN GDT CLOSURE.

[@lauradavis8949]

THANKYOU JESUS THE COURAGE THE PEOPLE ARE SAFER IN NUMBERS AN THE WORLD IS WATCHEN AND LOOKEN OUT FOR EACH OTHER WE ARE MORE POWERFUL ❤ TOGETHER ARE HEREING THESE CASES MORE EYES OUT THERE THAT CAN LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER GIVEING SUPORTERS ALL OVER THE TRUTHSEEKERS ARE OÑ IT THANKGOD FOR ALL THE OFFICERS THAT DID ALL THEY COULD DO IN THESE LITTLE TOWNS THAT ARE NOT FUNDED ENOUGH TOO THAT THE PEOPLE THAT CAN. HELP THE MONNY IT TAKES SORRY TO SAY AN NOW THAT WE HAVE COMUNITY AN. UTUBERS FACEBOOK ARE STEPING UP WHO CAN HELPING THE FAMILYS

[@lorig4871]

You would think the family would let Crystal's family where her remains are . The guy is going to prison regardless. Give her children some closure

[@squireboone7616]

Was local law enforcer involved?

[@Hollylivengood]

You mean enforcement? As in the local cops? YES! At least that's my opinion. A lot of people's opinion. Nelson County has a lot of drug production going on, and not a lot of arrests. Makes you go Hmmm.

[@adriennem7927]

I think that creepy brother is responsible for Jason's ambush and it had to do with drugs on the part of brooks bro. And its sad that the aunt's family think its not related but how could it not be.

[@adriennem7927]

That was so easy once they got phone records. Itz ridiculous that they had no interest locking these guys up. For Dad, for Crystal and the officer that was ambushed. And then you go as far back as crystal aunt n cousin..

[@brianhanley2933]

Time to roll up nick and the rest of the family. That will be justice for Crystal.

[@RhondaAnderson-p7p]

I can't help but believe the murders of the Bardstown couple in Louisville is related to this also.

[@haleywilhite2111]

What murder

[@Rita-yw2tn]

There’s been 4 unsolved murders in Bardstown and it’s been said that they may all be related . I’m so glad that they arrested him and I hope they arrest his brother soon because everybody here knows that he’s involved too .

[@bmb3283]

Why do you think that? Are you talking about the one from 2016? They already arrested that suspect last year, I believe... They said it was some drug addict named Donnie Ashby.

[@Mustnt_Grumble]

@@bmb3283 fyi… Ashby was arrested for the murders of Linda Leslie and Julian Ramirez, not the Netherlands.

[@bmb3283]

@Mustnt_Grumble yes, I thought that's the "couple from bardstown that were murdered in Louisville" she was referring to? The Netherlands weren't a couple, they were a mother and daughter from Bardstown - and they weren't murdered in Louisville. They were murdered in their home. Am I missing something?

[@adriennem7927]

And most of us knew that big oaf was guilty from that stupid stunt in the interrogation room first time he went in. Then his dumber bro calls like a buffoon. We knew then what the road would be. Its finally ended for now.

[@ivyyoung521]

What about the shooting death of Crystal's father?

[@tomroberts9794]

Nice job on this podcast. Sounds like the Kentucky Mafia at work.

[@lealovesthesea]

Or a bunch of creeps.

[@Feeley-81]

Great job John Snow...

[@susanhepburn5107]

I thought, and still believe, he did it, and he did the father as well. Thought his riches would save him.

[@Amazinglytrue62]

Nick houlk sold a gun with a phoney name the gun was given to police.

[@jamesjoste8655]

What about the cop brother?

[@missionaries7575]

The man that worked at bones too he was murdered

[@Mr118blackie]

He looked at the states attorney rear end what a toad

[@sicilylover784]

FREE CHRISTIAN KIT MARTIN!

[@sultanciarra11]

Brooks is mean. That's what I see when I look at him. He thought he could bully his way out of an indictment. Ha!

[@r.c.miller6161]

Video just shows guys toting cardboard file boxes around.

[@chadczternastek]

You know nothing Jon Snow! Apparently that is not the case.

[@cindyfrasheski3910]

What about her husbanf

[@Hollylivengood]

Who's?

[@Trouttiger]

Great job she kind of reminds me of Jody barr he's an badass just like her.