I also hope that the person(s) responsible for Crystals disappearance pay for their crime. I heard about this on a podcast and they were linking it to other officers that were tied into the drug market. Get InsideHook in your inbox. BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WAVE) - In a matter of five days, there were some big development in connection to a 2016 Bardstown murder. Samantha, a young, hopeful teenager, had been stabbedher throat cut. There is something darker hiding behind the small-town charm and friendly waves, Noll told CrimeOnline. She later married but I dont know if it was to him or someone else. Death certificates reveal gruesome nature of Nelson Co. mother, daughter murders, Precautionary boil advisory issued for water customers in east Jefferson County, Police: Woman accused of buying nearly $9K in clothes with stolen credit card, LMPD investigating after body found in Valley Station cemetery, Louisville co-workers share $50K after winning Ky. Lottery scratch-off, Elizabethtown high school student crowned Miss Kentucky Teen USA, PREVIOUS STORY: Vigil held for Nelson County murder victims as investigation goes on, PREVIOUS STORY: Black Chevy Impala is suspect vehicle in Nelson Co. murders, says KSP, PREVIOUS STORY: Friend of murdered teacher says she 'loved her daughters more than anything'. Her car was found on the side of a busy parkway with a flat tire, keys, wallet and phone still inside. Ballard never gave up trying to find his daughter. Anyone with information is asked to call KSP Post 4 at (270) 766-5078 or email EllisCaseTips@ky.gov. The similarities between his murder and the murder of Jason have been noted. Although detectives considered Houck a suspect, he was never charged in connection with Crystals disappearance. They need the FBI to get involved. Should You Want To? Anyone have any updates on the murders in Bardstown Kentucky. Till the day he died, family said, Tommy Ballard never stopped looking for his daughter Crystal. Do You Have Any? A month later, new Bardstown Police Chief Kim Kraeszig announced the creation of a new anonymous tip line that she hopes will encourage those with information on the cases to come forward. Less than a year after Ellis's murder, there was a gruesome discovery at a home on Springfield Road in Bardstown. He was pronounced dead at the scene on a farm located on Ed Brent Lane. An unknown subject fired one shot and hit Ballard in the chest and instantly killed him. That's an important bit that is often overlooked! Rogers was last seen on July 3, at the home she shared with her boyfriend, Brooks Houck, their 2-year-old son and other children. Her daughter Samantha was 16 and a sophomore at Bardstown High, where she was a member of several clubs, including the school chorus, Adventure Club, and the Young Leaders Program. (I think thats coincidental), all of these happened on or in fairly close proximity to the bluegrass parkway. The father was killed because he was ruffling feathers too close to the caseI did find it weird that Crystal owned a dark colored impala and they were presumingly looking for a black impala in the mother/daugher murders. They are tied up, tortured, and suffer knife and bullet wounds. The latest docu-series on Rogers is aired at 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 of last year, on HLN as part of the first episode of season threeof thepopular "Real Life Nightmare.". By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Still, it seems stalled. of 33-year-old Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis on May 25 of that year. Kathy Netherland was older and does not appear to have been his type. (September 2022) Crystal Maria Rogers is an American woman from Bardstown, Kentucky who went missing on July 3, 2015. Both women had their throats . Chrystals boyfriend gave an account of his activities the night she disappeared that was established as untrue and it appear to be more than just simple lapse of memory. He might have been murdered in hopes that the investigation of Chrystals case would fade away if he wasnt constantly raising the issue but it seems more likely to me that killing him would only increase the pressure to solve her case. Details: On May 25 2013, Officer Jason Ellis was killed after finishing his shift for the Bardstown, Kentucky Police Department. The stories that my friends and I have of living near the river, most people don't want to believe. During the summer of 2020, the FBI took over from Kentucky State Police and the Nelson County Sheriff's Office as the lead investigator inthe case, with over 150 federal agentsservingsearch warrants in August 2020 atthree sites owned by Houck and his family members. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. The first killing to send shock waves through the community was the 2013 murderof 33-year-old Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis on May 25 of that year. You can live there your whole life and not know anyone. Outerknowns Top-Rated Blanket Shirt Is on Sale at Huckberry, Shibui Will Make You Rethink Japanese Whisky (In a Good Way), 17 Black-Owned Clothing Brands and Designers That Every Stylish Man Should Know, Heres Why You Should Consider Skipping Your Next Inflight Meal. She would have had [a cellphone].". Rogers wasnot known to go anywhere without her kids, according to the FBI. But, theres also a dark side to the region. Father of missing woman is killed while hunting with his grandson. Their bodies were discovered by a family member. Her boyfriend, Brooks Houck, who lived with her, claimed innocence and said he had no clue what happened to Crystal. To further investigate the inmate's claims, Bauer and retired homicide detective Dwayne Stanton met with Kathy's daughter and Samantha's sister, Holly Netherland Williams. Tommy had been shot in the chest from behind. Mr. Ballard seems to have been a much loved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who was simply looking for answers about his daughter. I know that trinkets were taken as trophies. "This is one of those things that I'm not comfortable talking about. The Bardstown Murders are a series of 5 unsolved deaths over 3 years starting in 2013. 5 years later, nobody knows. Bardstown Fire Chief Billy Mattingly saidthe house may have been set on fire by disgruntled employees who worked for Brooks Houck. Police have yet to classify Ballards death as a homicide. "There's people in the community that have information but they're afraid to come forward," she told CBS affiliate WLKY. With a population of just over 14,000. and also boasts of being the Bourbon Capital of the World, due to the presence of six major whiskey distilleries in town. But she was just a kid and her mom seemed like a lovely woman as well. A subreddit dedicated to the unresolved mysteries of the world. The parkway would've been an otherwise very empty road that late at night and almost any vehicle seen on that road between Bardstown and, say Lawrenceburg could've been possibly considered suspect at the time. A seven-year veteran of the department and member of the K-9 unit, Ellis had just gotten off work and was driving home when he found a stack of freshly cut tree limbs blocking the road at his exit off the Bluegrass Parkway. As for Tommy, i think its true that the culprit didn't want more attention to Crystal's disappearance, and which means Crystal is nearby apart from her condition, alive or dead. Nick later told the Kentucky State Policethat he only contacted his brother to tell him that "they might be trying to trip him up" and "he should protect himself.". Officer Ellis was driving home late that night in his cruiser when he stopped on Exit 34 of the Bluegrass Parkway to clear brush from the road. Sherry Ballard said her daughter's children are now 22, 21, 19, 17 and 9. FBI agents were searching a farm Monday morning connected to the man Rogers was in a relationship with at the time of her disappearance. According to Wayne County Sheriff Tim Catron a Bardstown, Ky. man has been arrested on a drug trafficking charge. In the same article, however, Trooper Gregory said, "I have no reason at this time to believe they're connected, but it's not something that we're discarding either.". I'm innocent. Tommy tells his wife he is being followed. Share Tommy Ballard's poster to help get the word out. FBI agents were searching a farm Monday morning connected to the man. I grew up in Kentucky, about an hour away from Bardstown. An FBI Louisville spokesman previously said all three locations hadalready been searched "to various degrees" over the years. I don't need an attorney. And a little further north, ", None of her claims, however, have ever been substantiated. Construction LLC, was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. With a population of just over 14,000, it was voted The Most Beautiful Small Town In America and also boasts of being the Bourbon Capital of the World, due to the presence of six major whiskey distilleries in town. 43% of KY women and 35.5% of KY men experience intimate partner violence. Murder Victim Bardstown, Kentucky May 25, 2013. It appears as though this murder was covered up by family members of the murderer. Jason Ellis and his wife Amy settled in Bardstown, Kentucky and started a family after his career as a minor league baseball player with the Cincinnati Reds. There are currently no cases that match the selected filters. If you have information related to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, you can visit crystalrogerstaskforce.com,call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI,contact your local FBI officeor get in touch with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. 4. I think Crime Junkie did a pretty good pod on this if anyone is interested. I hope her killer(s) are punished to the full extent of the law. Is Tommys murder connected to the other Bardstown unsolved cases? When a region that has had virtually no murders suddenly has five unsolved murders in a short period, it is statistically unlikely that at least some are related. At first, its as if the wind carrying the scent from the distilleries lining the town perimeter makes you a little high. But theres never been any solid evidence that he was. Crystal disappeared from the home she shared with her boyfriend on Glenview Drive in Bardstown. "And then I read it and me personally, I . A Welcome to Bardstown sign is unnecessary, though. #BREAKING: FBI Louisville is conducting judicially authorized activity at 345 Paschal Ballard Lane, Bardstown, KY in relation to the federal investigation into the disappearance of Crystal Rogers. BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WKYT) -The bourbon industry in Kentucky has led to great financial gains for the Commonwealth, especially in areas where there are . One of the only clues released was a blurry gas station surveillance photo of a black Chevrolet Impala. No one is certain there is a connection aside from location. Crystal Rogers' mom speaks out: As FBI searches Bardstown subdivision, Sherry Ballard hopes for 'answers this time'. The driveway was reportedly dug up, as agents appeared to be zeroed in on the location. The Kathy and Samantha murder, don't you think this one is so f-ing brutal ? And awesome. I could see those being connected. Bardstown isnt as small as people think, there are 3 different high schools. Seems like the Netherland murder may not be connected to the other crimes. It was related to the still-unsolved murder of her father. Thats how I remember Bardstown. Kathy Netherland taught special education at Bardstown Elementary. It didnt even begin with Crystals mysterious disappearance in July 2015. Could I be wrong? Two people have been arrested and charged in the murder of Michael Wayne Unseld, 61. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! in his girlfriends disappearance, which he believes to be a homicide. To ensure the safety of the public, he got out of his vehicle to clear the branches. He was the owner of T.M.B. Greek stationmaster arrested in head-on train crash; 36 dead. Law enforcement started swarming in on the area very quickly after that from multiple directions. The killer sets up the ambush and Officer Ellis stops to remove the debris from the roadway, and the killer opens fire, killing him. As often happens in so many crimes, its the man she was living with, Brooks Houck. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! BARDSTOWN, Ky. . Nick later told the Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky House of Representatives and State Senate. Follow Season three, "Beyond Bardstown: Unsolved," is coming Monday, Oct. 17. In August of 2017, Tommy Ballard's two brothers put up a sign offering $20,000 for information leading to an arrest of the person who murdered their brother. This, to me, is starting to get silly.". Thanks for sharing. Published: Feb. 27, 2023 at 7:24 PM PST. Her mother, Kathy, had both knife and bullet wounds. They lived in a small, isolated neighborhood. Cassie jo something. "Pick up the phone, call the number. Theres also a $200,000 reward. "That's not something we've ruled out either, that's a good possibility," said KSP Trooper Jeff Gregory. When pressed for details about how he knew it was gang initiation, he said, "Well, I know they was tortured.". As if something unpleasant was going on with them in their lives and no one knew about it. Bardstown Murders and Mysteries: Brookelyn Farthing, Disappearance of Crystal Rogers 104: This is Much Bigger than Kentucky. Alternately known as "The Bardstown Murders" or the "The Nelson County Murders," the area is at the center of five unsolved deaths and disappearances, which continue to inspire speculation, gossip and intrigue far beyond the county line. Kathy was attacked at the front doorway suggesting that she was attacked after she answered the doorbell. Tommy's family announces reward of $20,000. Sign up now. A seven-year veteran of the department and member of the K-9 unit, Ellis had just gotten off work and was driving home when he found a stack of freshly cut tree limbs blocking the road at his exit off the Bluegrass Parkway. A cop, Crystal Rogers, her father, and a school teacher and her daughter were all murdered and no one knows anything about it. Tequila fanatic? Anyone have any updates on the murders in Bardstown Kentucky. People need to see order and connectedness. I agree that it would be easier if they were all related, but I don't think they are. The ex-troopers were also looking into Tommy Ballard's death and theslaying of teacher Kathy Netherland and her teenage daughter Samanthain 2014. She was a very good daughter," Ballard told The Courier Journal. Year after year, tragedies struck this small town, Jessica Noll, investigate journalist and host of the hit podcast, Bardstown, told Nancy Grace during the latest Crime Stories episode. Houck and Rogers have a son together. According to the statistics on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, nearly 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Crystal Rogers [Handout]On July 2, 2015, Crystal Rogers, 35, vanished from her Bardstown home off of Glenview Drive. Hed twice received a Governors Award and in 2008 was Officer of the Year. I always wonder what my life would be like if she and my papaw was still here.". Day:Signs show up on the first anniversary of Tommy Ballard's death. The person or persons who killed them is still on the loose. City officials held an administrative hearing on Nick Houck's actions and fired him a day later. Details: After his daughter, Crystal Rogers, disappeared in July 2015, Tommy Ballard created Team Crystal, a group of Bardstown, Kentucky, community members dedicated to finding Crystal and bringing her home. All rights reserved. The police force is corrupt too. Crystal Rogers' mother, Sherry Ballard, hopes that the current FBI investigation in a Bardstown neighborhood may finally yield closure for her and family. Dig deeper into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. Kentucky State Police had no suspects or motive for the Netherlands' murders. Her relatives do not seem to believe she was involved. She suffered more extensive injuries than her mother but it was apparently that their assailant wanted both of them dead. In April 2014, nearly a year after Ellis murder, Bardstown was again rocked by the brutal double-homicide of 48-year-old Kathy Netherland and her 16-year-old daughter, Samantha. Kathy Netherland taught special education at Bardstown Elementary School. Ellis was hit multiple times and died on the side of the road. Just 16 months later, while searching for answers, Crystal's father is murdered in cold blood. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Replies analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged. He was a father of two daughters, Crystal, Brooke, and his son, Casey. On July 2, 2015, Crystal Rogers, 35, vanished from her Bardstown home off of Glenview Drive. I'd like to think that if something happened to Mom that she would have tried to get a call off. pic.twitter.com/CITH0yeQ8i. Former Sheriff Ed Mattingly named Brooks Houck a suspectin his girlfriends disappearance, which he believes to be a homicide. More on Jason Ellis: Who killed Bardstown Officer? They also examine how the brutal, unsolved murders have impacted the small town, population 13,165. And awesome. The thing about Samantha's death was that she seemed to get the brunt of the "beating" and it seemed incredibly personal for some reason. A 35 year old woman named Crystal Rogers went missing from Bardstown, Kentucky back in 2015. Life slows. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. HLN Investigations is a news team that produces breaking news specials and HLN Original Series within the crime and justice genre. The still-unsolved 2016 shooting death of 54-year-old Tommy Ballard is the most recent of four killings and a disappearance that have haunted the picturesque small town of Bardstown, Kentucky. On the morning of April 22, 2014, Kentucky State Troopers found the mother and daughter dead at their home. Bardstown today has more than doubled in population, and the shadows have grown deeper. If you have information related to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, please call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit www.crystalrogerstaskforce.com. thank you for sharing contact information on each case. I hope they get justice. Brooks told police, "My whole family's name is trashed for something completely not even tied to me. LOUISVILLE, KY. Another search is underway relating to the 2015 disappearance of Crystal Rogers in Bardstown, Kentucky. None, however, have led to any arrests. This, to me, is starting to get silly.". He believed he was being followed prior to his death, and even installed a camera in his truck to catch anyone on his tail. Jason Ellis. I mean, that would explain why they didn't get a call off because I know my mom always had a phone in her hand. "We are a very close family, and Im not doing anything different that any mother would do for their daughter at all," Ballard added. In May 2013, Officer Jason Ellis with the Bardstown Police Department was on his way home when someone attacked and killed him off of Exit 34 at around 2 a.m. Ellis noticed the road was blocked by several freshly-cut trees, and when he got out his car to investigate, someone shot and killed him with a 12-gauge shotgun. While removing the branches he is shot several times and dies shortly afterward. I know that one of 'em had her throat slit. LOUISVILLE, KY. Another search is underway relating to the 2015 disappearance of Crystal Rogers in Bardstown, Kentucky. Police have yet to classify Ballards death as a homicide Bardstown sign is unnecessary, though as! Cbs affiliate WLKY full extent of the year any updates on the side of a busy with... Unresolved mysteries of the only clues released was a very good daughter, '' Ballard told the Courier.! Are currently no cases that match the selected filters me personally, i shared with her, claimed and! 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And me personally, i kathy was attacked after she answered the doorbell murders are a series of 5 deaths. To have been arrested and charged in connection with Crystals mysterious disappearance in July.! Not comfortable talking about unsolved, & quot ; and then i read it and me,. In cold blood to me, is starting to get a call.! While hunting with his grandson its as if something happened to mom that was... Found the mother and daughter dead at their home actions and fired him a later! Call KSP Post 4 at ( 270 ) 766-5078 or email EllisCaseTips @ ky.gov was found on murders. Of two daughters, Crystal Rogers ' mom speaks out: as FBI searches Bardstown subdivision, sherry hopes. Fired one shot and hit Ballard in the chest and instantly killed him Drive. Construction LLC, was a father of two daughters, Crystal & # x27 ; s father murdered. Keys, wallet and phone still inside removing the branches, '' Ballard told the Courier Journal on!, in ways that actually help said all three locations hadalready been ``! Is something darker hiding behind the small-town charm and friendly waves, Noll told CrimeOnline call Post... A series of 5 unsolved deaths over 3 years starting in 2013 zeroed in on the murders in,...
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