A FAMILY was besieged by mystery after a mother-of-five went missing for eight years.
As the investigation into Crystal Rogers’ disappearance continued, authorities identified her ex-boyfriend Brooks Houck as the primary suspect.
Who is the suspect in Crystal Rogers’ missing case, Brooks Houck?
On September 27, 2023, Crystal Rogers’ ex-boyfriend Brooks Houck was arrested in connection to her missing persons case.
In a statement, the FBI announced: “In coordination with the Kentucky State Police, and other local and federal law enforcement partners, FBI Louisville has been laser-focused on our commitment to hold accountable those that were responsible for the disappearance of Crystal Rogers.
“Today, we take the first step in making good on that promise.
“FBI Louisville and the Kentucky State Police have arrested Brooks Houck without incident on charges stemming from the Crystal Rogers investigation.
“The Houck indictment remains sealed and additional details will be revealed during Houck’s arraignment in early October in the Nelson County Circuit Court.”
Houck’s arrest is the second break in the years-long investigation.
Previously, on September 7 of the same year, Joseph L. Lawson was arrested in relation to Crystal’s case.
Lawson was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.
The alleged co-conspirator has pleaded not guilty to the abovementioned charges.
“Eight years I’ve waited for this day to come,” Crystal’s mother Sherry Ballard said via Facebook.
“I honestly think I’ve felt every emotion that God has given us.
“Even though it brings me so much joy to think justice is coming, it also brings the fact that this is real, and what my family has been going through the last year years is real.”
When did Crystal go missing?
Crystal was last seen alive on July 3, 2015, and she was reported missing two days later by her mother, Sherry.
The 43-year-old woman was last seen leaving a local Walmart, according to her relative.
Crystal’s father, Tommy Ballard, discovered her belongings inside her maroon Chevrolet vehicle, which also had a flat tire.
Despite the fact that Houck and Lawson were accused in Crystal’s death, her remains have yet to be discovered.
“I’m praying so hard that they actually find Crystal,” Sherry told WHAS-TV at the time.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do if they do but I have to know where my daughter is.
“I don’t think it matters how much time passes, you still have that sense of loss and grief, and it’s just very hard to get through.
“I’ll deal with whatever I have to deal with but I’m ready to bring my daughter home, I’ve been ready.
“I knew from the moment she went missing that she was not coming back.”
