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.". It would be great if someone came forward and gave information to help solve these whether they're related or not and I hope someone does soon. In season one, host Shay McAlister investigated five unsolved crimes in and around Bardstown, Ky. This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Ballard's grandson, who was with him during the trip,was not responsible for Ballard's death, Kentucky State Police detectives later said. While Holly was unable to confirm the inmate's claims, she said his theories about the gang initiation and trophies being taken from the crime scene were possible. Kathy Netherland was older and does not appear to have been his type. Kathy and Samantha seemed to be lovely women who should still be living their lives today. ", None of her claims, however, have ever been substantiated. Police have yet to classify Ballards death as a homicide. 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. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! All towns and cities have shadows, but when I lived there from May to September 1990 as a cast member in The Stephen Foster Story, I didnt see many. Although detectives considered Houck a suspect, he was never charged in connection with Crystals disappearance. I'd like to think that if something happened to Mom that she would have tried to get a call off. Really sad case. I definitely think it was all connected. Its free. At least one state investigator expressed to a reported that he was concerned that the murder may have involved someone in Law Enforcement. 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. [Feature Photo: Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin via AP/Timothy D. Easley], WATCH LIVE: Murdaugh Family Murders Day 25: Closing Arguments, Murdaugh Family Murders: Jury Heads to Moselle, the Scene of the Crimes, Ghislaine Maxwells New Attorneys File Appeal of Sex Trafficking Conviction. The person or persons who killed them is still on the loose. Thanks for sharing. I agree it did seem personal but I also think that maybe she fought back more than the mother did and the killer(s) lost their cool. To kill a man in front of his young grandson, you must be an evil, cold-hearted person and I hope you burn for eternity in your own personal hell. I could see those being connected. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. The similarities between his murder and the murder of Jason have been noted. [PREVIOUS STORY: Black Chevy Impala is suspect vehicle in Nelson Co. murders, says KSP]. It was a savage double murderKathy had been shot several times, Samantha bludgeoned, and their throats slashed. Any nightmares I had in Bardstown were just inside my head, not hovering in the shadows under the trees crowding the highway. Back then, Sherry. 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. 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. I think Crime Junkie did a pretty good pod on this if anyone is interested. There have been so many murders that the investigators initially believed were personal due the amount of violence subjected to a victim and it turned out later that the killer was just a violent and sick individual. The other daughter was a person of interest because she was the only person who appeared to have had anything to gain from her mother and sisters death. The next morning Crystal vanishes, but Brooks does not think it's odd because she occasionally spent the night at the homes of her friends. Tommys death shocked the Bardstown community, which was still reeling from three other unsolved cases: the murder of Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis on May 25, 2013, the double homicide of Kathy and Samantha Netherland on April 21, 2014, and Tommys daughter, Crystal who went missing on July 3, 2015. That same month his brother Nick Houck was fired from the Bardstown P.D. He was with his 11-year-old grandson and on family property at the time of his death, butpolice have ruled out the child as the shooter. Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis is murdered while driving home after his shift. When the sweet smell of bourbon fills the air, you know youve arrived. According to Wayne County Sheriff Tim Catron a Bardstown, Ky. man has been arrested on a drug trafficking charge. The Bardstown podcast is a good source of info regarding these cases. Two days later,her mother reported her missing, the same day her car was found abandoned along the Bluegrass Parkway with a flat tire and her belongings still in it. It appears as though this murder was covered up by family members of the murderer. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Complicating the investigation was that fact that Houcks brother Nick was an officer with the Bardstown Police. In a bizarre twist, on November 19, 2016, Crystals father, Tommy Ballard. The driveway was reportedly dug up, as agents appeared to be zeroed in on the location. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Since my moms been missing, life has been really hard. I know that one of 'em had her throat slit. Kinda like those 2 kids who made a video after killing their classmate. He was a father of two daughters, Crystal, Brooke, and his son, Casey. "This is one of those things that I'm not comfortable talking about. Her car was found on the side of a busy parkway with a flat tire, keys, wallet and phone still inside. I suspect that one or more people murdered Jason to solve a problem and Chrystal and her father were murdered by the same to solve perhaps different problems. 6 years later: Anniversary of Tommy Ballard's death follows 2nd FBI search in Crystal Rogers disa 6 years has passed since mysterious death of Crystal Rogers father, Tommy Ballard, 6 years later, Tommy Ballard's murder remains unsolved | whas11.com, 'Pushing for justice' | 6 years later, circumstances surrounding Tommy Ballard's death remain a mystery | News | wdrb.com, A move in the right direction: Sherry Ballard reacts to special prosecutor appointment to Nelson County cases, Special prosecutor investigating three Nelson County deaths, Signs speculating about suspect in disappearance of Crystal Rogers appear on anniversary of her father's death, Family still searching for answers in death of missing woman's father, Police investigating shooting death of Tommy Ballard, KSP clears victim's grandson in Nelson County shooting death, Sherry Ballard says her husband was being followed leading up to his death, Search continues for Ky. mom part 2 (Rogers), Witness Says She Saw Suspicious Car The Morning Tommy Ballard Was Shot, KSP seeks public's help in investigation of Tommy Ballard shooting death, Grandson cleared in missing woman's dad's death, TIMELINE: Crystal Rogers disappearance & Investigation, Autopsy scheduled in Tommy Ballard death, investigation continues, The Complete Timeline of Crystal Rogers' Disappearance, Family offers $20,000 for information on fatal shooting, Bardstown family longs for answers 6 months after Tommy Ballard was killed, WHAS11 Journalist Shay McAlister visits EKU at "A Night of True Crime" Event, FBI conducting new search in Crystal Rogers case, Family of Crystal Rogers hopes for answers during FBI search of Bardstown farm - ABC 36 News, Timeline: A look at the Crystal Rogers case since 2015, including FBI involvement, FBI begins fourth day of search for Crystal Rogers on Houck farm - YouTube. There has been gossip about the surviving daughter being involved, but I see no actual evidence of that. 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. Despite such an incentive, the murders remain unsolved. Anyone who owns, had access to or knows someone who was operating a 2006 to 2013 model year Chevrolet Impala matching the photograph on April 21, 2014 should call Kentucky State Police at 270-766-5078. Crystal Rogerss family has already been afflicted with too much tragedy. A cop, Crystal Rogers, her father, and a school teacher and her daughter were all murdered and no one knows anything about it. It's still getting investigated like if it were a murder investigation or homicide investigation, Kentucky State Police Trooper Jeff Gregory told WDRB. Officer Jason Ellis (d: May 25th, 2013) - ambushed and shot to death while returning home from duty. 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. There are currently no cases that match the selected filters. 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. Police said the Netherlands were murdered around 8 p.m. on the evening of Monday, April 21 at their home in Nelson County's Botland community. in the chest by an unknown gunmen while out hunting. Something a lot of the podcasts and articles and shows dont tell you is that Jason Ellis wife is also a teacher and she worked closely with Kathy and Crystals boyfriends brother worked closely with Jason as well and their family was always known to sell drugs, it is a small enough town to know that. Kathy Netherland, 48, and her daughter, Samantha, 16, were killed inside their home on April 21, 2014. That October, Nick Houck was fired from the police forceor allegedly interfering with the investigation of Crystal Rogers disappearance, that he only contacted his brother to tell him that "they might be trying to trip him up" and "he should protect himself.". Oxygen did a 5 episode series on this and its interesting and thought provoking. FBI agents were searching a farm Monday morning connected to the man Rogers was in a relationship with at the time of her disappearance. This, to me, is starting to get silly.". in Cincinnati, Ellis was fatally shot multiple times with a 12-gauge shotgun. Police suspect the driver of that car may have information about the case. Copyright 2014 WAVE 3 News. The two share a home with their 2 year old son and Crystal's other children. [] I can't even go on the side of the road without looking like a murderer. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. On the morning of November 19, authorities are called to a property near Bluegrass Parkway for a death investigation. There is a person of interest in Crystals case. Some Doctors Are Now Making More Dubious Claims About Ivermectin. Brooks told police, "My whole family's name is trashed for something completely not even tied to me. 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. Following their autopsies, WAVE 3 reportedthat Kathy had been shot multiple times, while Samantha had been bludgeoned about the head, with both women showing knife wounds to their necks. The mother's case has spawned documentaries and podcasts and plenty of news coverage. "I have been asked by the police about the relative location of chairs," said Holly. BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WKYT) -The bourbon industry in Kentucky has led to great financial gains for the Commonwealth, especially in areas where there are . Vanished-Crystal Rogers - True Crimecast (October 2018) Two true crime podcasters, John and Jamie, theorize about the Crystal Rogers case. They also examine how the brutal, unsolved murders have impacted the small town, population 13,165. The first killing to send shock waves through the community was. Her kids need closure, but to physically hear it, its going to be so hard on us.". Chrystals father was definitely beating the drum about her disappearance/presumed murder. 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. She didn't receive an inheritance when her mother and sister were killed and the idea that she killed her remaining family (her father recently passed from cancer) because they supposedly didnt like her boyfriend doesnt seem like a real motive. All I know about the boyfriend was that he was former military and her mother apparently disinvited him to their home for Thanksgiving. (September 2022) Crystal Maria Rogers is an American woman from Bardstown, Kentucky who went missing on July 3, 2015. My Theories on the Bardstown Murders and the Disappearance of Crystal Rogers I used to believe that the murder of police officer Jason Ellis on May 25, 2013, the Netherland Murders on April 21, 2014, the disappearance of Crystal Rogers on July 3, 2015, and the murder of Tommy Ballard on November 19, 2016 in Bardstown, Kentucky we're all related. After exiting his police cruiser to investigate, he was ambushed. Their bodies were discovered by a family member. For someone to knock on a random door, kill both occupants and leave without any robbery or sexual assault would be an extremely unusual crime. "And then I read it and me personally, I . On the first anniversary of the murders, the Netherland family increased the reward for information about the killings from $2,500 to $50,000. On the morning of April 22, 2014, Kentucky State Troopers found the mother and daughter dead at their home. Jasons wife was a substitute teacher who had worked at the school where Kathy worked but they have not been linked in any other way. Though all occurred in Nelson County, that doesnt mean there is a real connection, save the seemingly obvious one between the disappearance of Crystal Rogers and her fathers death. Its a disease of armchair sleuthing to see connections between everythingthe same kind of fallacy that produces complex and far-reaching conspiracy theories. I know that they were tied to their chairs. Accidentally. Bardstown Fire Chief Billy Mattingly saidthe house may have been set on fire by disgruntled employees who worked for Brooks Houck. It wouldnt be long before investigators ruled out his grandson who was with him as a suspect. Lots of corruption. While police initially treated Ballards death as a possible hunting accident, it eventually became clear it wasnt. Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most your children. She was a widow and in photos she looked younger than her reported age of 48. Its a real place, sits between Lebanon and Danville. The Rogers and Ballard cases are even moving forward as of January 2018, as investigators have been searching the farm where they believe Crystal was killed. Crystals father was with Crystals son when they were out hunting and her father was shot in the back. Agentsreportedlywere using a cadaver dog to search the subdivision and a Courier Journal photographer saw investigatorsusing a jackhammer on the driveway of a home. The six episodes in the entire "Real Life Nightmare" series, which focuses on other mysterious cases, will be available on-demand the day after the broadcast premiere via cable/satellite systems. Boyfriend likely killed her, and his police officer brother helped dispose of the body. They had been killed the previous day. Nick was accused ofwarning his brotherthat detectives planned to interview him and advised him not to speak with them. After exiting his police cruiser to investigate, he was ambushed. Complicating the investigation was that fact that Houcks brother. As recently as July 2017 police searched the home of Houcks grandmother. pokesperson Lt. Michael Webb said police haven't ruled out the possibility that the cases might be connected, but offered no further details. It's a relatively small town and to have so many deaths and a disappearance, I assumed they all had to be related, but I have recently started to look at other ideas. I was actually told from the very beginning that it was no accident, Sherry Ballard said. Bardstown today has more than doubled in population, and the shadows have grown deeper. She was in college and could date anyone she wished to. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Someone traveling through, a violent person, someone like ngel Maturino Resndiz who traveled through the US, killing multiple people that were strangers to him. 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. I believe theyre all connected because what they dont tell you is that all of these people were closely related in one way or another. Construction LLC, was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. To learn more about the Netherlands and the search for Crystal Rogers, watch"The Disappearance of Crystal Rogers" on Oxygen. Police have asked locals to come forward with any information if they were driving on Bluegrass Highway between mile markers 21 and 24 before 7:30 am on November 19, 2016. Morning:Kathy and Samantha Netherland are killed. (I think thats coincidental), all of these happened on or in fairly close proximity to the bluegrass parkway. NELSON COUNTY, Ky. (WAVE) - It has been seven years since mother and daughter were brutally murdered in Nelson County in the small community of Botland. Rogers' keys, phone, and purse were still inside her red Chevrolet Impala. Security footage near the Netherlander home captures a black Chevy Impala that could be connected to the murders. 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