She was trying to make a life for her and her kids, and she looked out for her children number one, Ballard said. McAlister, who continues to cover the Rogers' case and would later come to learn, investigate and follow all the unsolved cases in Bardstown, talked with the Times-Tribune about what it's been like trying to uncover the truth and juggling the lines between professional and personal as a journalist. There is a great post on reddit about Crystals case and this information comes from there:In December 2015, Louisvilles WDRB reported the arrest of Danny Singleton on 38 counts of false swearing after he allegedly lied under oath to a grand jury in relation to the investigation of Crystal Rogers disappearance. The FBI and its law enforcement partners are seeking information about the murder of Kentucky police officer Jason Ellis. BARDSTOWN, Ky. - This week marks six months since a mother and her teenage daughter were murdered in their Kentucky home and still, police are no closer to solving the case than they were on. [] I cant even go on the side of the road without looking like a murderer. Whileattempting to remove thedebris,hewasshotseveral times and died shortly after. 2. The area also provided good cover, as it was located between rock walls covered in brush. He drove to the Exit 24 ramp and was one of the first responding officers to see Ellis lying dead in the road. Shay (in the middle) is standing in the heart of downtown Bardstown. Though his case remains unsolved, his community continues to carry on his memory. The skeletal remains were discovered Thursday evening, and investigators called in an FBI team to help with recovery and identification. Some eight months later he and two other inmates were unloading a truck outside the prison walls at Eddyville He walked a million miles, looking and searching, Till Ballard said. He and his grandson were on family property next to the Bluegrass Parkway when he was shot in the chest and died instantly. There are always flowers at the exit ramp, laminated photos of Ellis on the front doors of the Bardstown Police Department, his uniform lays on a black bourbon barrel, and a long corridor wall was dedicated to him, which includes photos. emailStay Connected Ive been there before, and its hard. But if there's anything positive that came from that tragedy, it is perhaps it has helped her investigate and report with even more compassion and empathy. New Details On Unsolved Murder Of Kentucky Police Officer By Samantha Maffucci Written on May 29, 2019 Photo: bardstown police department When murders go unsolved for long periods of time. SPONSORED LINKS Moving into 2016, things slowed down in Crystals case but there were some interesting things that happened. The agency planned to resume the search once the weather improved. Houck said Rogers was still up on the night of July 3 when he went to bed. FBI officials said they would work with the IRS, Kentucky State Policeand the U.S. Attorneys Office to bring a "fresh perspective" to the case, which has attracted national attention over the years as family members in Nelson County and investigators seek answers. They're reportedly searching three properties owned by Rogers' ex-boyfriend, Brooks Houck, in addition to properties owned by his brother, former Bardstown police officer Nick Houck, and their mother, Rosemary Houck. Police began their investigation after the vehicle was found. His wife spoke at the dedication, saying, I have spent the last five years trying to find myself again, trying to climb out of the fog of grief and PTSD that comes with having your husband murdered, trying to raise two boys the best that I can.. The car that was found abandoned at the time Crystal disappeared was also in the storage unit and the vehicle was towed away for further investigation. In August 2021, the FBI initiated a new search in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision of Bardstown. McAlister said she's learned that everybody has a story and that story is worthy. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the death of Bardstown, Kentucky Police Officer Jason Ellis. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules. Investigators had conducted numerous searches on Houck family property, including the home of Anna Whitesides, the grandmother of Brooks Houck. She hadnt been seen or heard from since July 3, according to the FBI. I know Im not the mother, but the mothers not here and the fathers the number one suspect.. They found her car with her purse, cell phone, scattered on the ground around the car but no sign of her. I made eye contact with him, Tommy Ballard said after the court hearing. The Nelson County Sheriffs Office confirmed in a statement Sunday that human remains had been recovered in a rural part of the county. Tommys dad said his son was very charitable. The search has focused on homes built and previously owned by Brooks. Investigative journalist Shay McAlister moved to Louisville a little over five years ago fresh out of college. I just cant understand why we havent got to see that baby yet., On October 16, 2015, Brooks brother Nick Houck was fired from the Bardstown Police Department for allegedly interfering with the investigation of Crystal Rogers disappearance, according to NBC affiliate WLEX. And interestingly, Crystals aunt went missing from the area in 1979.Freda Sharene Sherry Ballard, went missing from Bardstown, according to The Kentucky Standard. He was usually unwilling to have his picture taken. Share on Facebook Facebook All of us went to the police station and reported her missing, Till Ballard said. Copyright 2021 WAVE 3 News. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. On April 21, 2014, Kathy Netherland, 48, and her daughter, Samantha Netherland, 16, were brutally murdered in the small Nelson County community of Botland. The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. They just ripped that baby away from me because they said theres too much animosity between the families, Ballard told Oxygen.com. Seeking Information in Murder of Police Officer, FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. Winds light and variable.. Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. I cannot find any further updates on the human remains found in Nelson County. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. The murders of brothers Orrin and Orson West, 2020- Jane & John Does that got their names back, Alexander Pisch set up an easel to paint and then vanished, 23 year old Lauren Smith-Fields found dead after Bumble date, The Mysterious 9/11 Disappearance of Sneha Anne Philip, Everything you need to know about using the new True Crime Society Browser Edition, Everything you need to know about using the new True Crime Society App edition, Actor Robert Crayton killed his family in a murder-suicide, Michael Haight killed 7 of his family members in a murder-suicide, Valentina Trespalacios was murdered and her body dumped in a suitcase, Brooke Spurgeon murdered by partner Christopher Nelson Hood in Texas, The Abduction and Murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand from Paradise, Texas, Missing Georgia woman, Debbie Collier, found dead, naked and burned, The Tragic Murder of 10-year-old Iliana Lily Peters, What happened to Cassie Carli? Brooks trial for the Lowes theft was held in 2019 and a jury found him not guilty. Her boyfriend, Brooks Houck, who lived with her, claimed innocence and said he had no clue what happened to Crystal. Buy HD $2.99 More purchase options 3. An unknown subject fired one shot and hit Ballard in the chest and instantly killed him. Shell never get total closure because she doesnt believe shell see her daughter alive again. She went missing over Fourth of July weekend in 2015. Back then, Sherry. This story was originally published September 1, 2021, 12:19 PM. James Kelly Moss, 1962 Moss was a career criminal, who served his first prison term in 1933, at age 19, having been convicted of trying to steal bags of coffee and car tires from an L&N Railroad boxcar. She noticed right away that Rogers' family was insistent that she wouldn't just leave and law enforcement named a main suspect but never made an arrest. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. and Tommy's death investigation will be solved quickly after Rogers' case is . Her family tried to contact Crystal for two days via text and calling but they were not able to reach her. @Nelson_Sheriff pic.twitter.com/ghzbYqZ6Mp. Devoted and committed, Crystal worked two jobs to take care of her children. Nelson County Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa said the remains were located in an area he characterized as difficult to discover.He said his office was not going to speculate on whose remains they might be. True Crime Society - True Crime Society Podcast Episode Its always the husband (allegedly! Two years after the murder, Ellis wife, Amy, made a second video, pleading for answers. "I've covered the absolute most horrible things that have ever happened to them. A security checkpoint was set up on Freeman Avenue, the only way to access North and South Howard streets, which are both dead-end roads. "The FBI is committed to bringing those responsible to justice, but we are going to need the communitys assistance.". On Thursday, the FBI arrived in Bardstown and executed nine search warrants related to Rogers' disappearance. Kathy Netherland, 48, and her daughter, Samantha, 16, were killed inside their home on April 21, 2014. Years of investigation from the Nelson County sheriffs office, Kentucky State Police and, more recently, the FBI have yet to result in arrests or finding her remains. By KATELYN NORRIS [email protected]. Kathy and Samantha Netherland (d: April 21st, 2014) - mother and daughter were horrifically beat and murdered in their home. His name is also carved into a black column next to the building, along with the names of other fallen officers, and a memorial was held last May. Kentucky State Police and the Nelson County sheriffs office worked the cases for five years before the FBI took the lead in the summer of 2020. She was born and raised in Bardstown and was a very shy little girl when she was younger, Sherry said. But in the spring of 2011, Rebecca was never seen again. In November 2017, on the one year anniversary of Tommy Ballards death, signs appeared around Bardstown, implicating Brooks in Crystals disappearance and death. We should just be giving it out because it's so true, you have no idea what someone is facing.". As an aside, and perhaps strangely for such a small town (13,094 in 2019), there are other unsolved murders in Bardstown. Reporter Shay McAllister spoke to Sherry Ballard once this news broke: Just received this text from Sherry Ballard on news of the human remains: In my heart I truly never felt like this was my daughter. They dont seem to be in NAMUS as far as I can see oversight or have they been identified? But there are still unanswered questions. They havent seen their brother. In October 2015, Brooks was named the prime suspect in the case but was never arrested. She also said that Tommy believed he was being followed in the days before his death. "What I feel like I've given to the community is so unmatched as to what they've given to me," said McAlister about Louisville and the surrounding communities. Going over to mamaw Martins and playing phase 10 and aggravation over and over while eating snacks. September 8, 2018, 8:02 PM ET Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis Murdered For Burglary Investigation, Says Anonymous Inmate The inmate claims Ellis was shot because "he was close to an investigation of a ring of storage shed burglaries and business burglaries." By Aly Vander Hayden Then Came Four More. A part of me wants to hold back on that because I dont know Im scared of the let down. On May 25, 2013, Bardstown police officer Jason Ellis was ambushed and killed on his way home after signing off for the night by someone lying in wait for him near Exit 34 at 2 a.m. Ellishadsigned off on the radioand was driving home when he encountered branches blocking the roadonexit 34 of the Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown, Kentucky. The relationship with these friends and family members has evolved over time to one where McAlister said she used to just keep in touch to get updates on the case, to one where now she's keeping in touch, making sure they are ok. "As a human it's difficult to draw a boundary and keep a boundary especially in a case like this where we've known each other for five years," McAlister said. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Approximately 150 miles away in a small town similar to many in the Tri-County, five murders are unsolved, one with a connection to the Tri-County. They were located near the Nelson/Washington County line, although the sheriffs office was not disclosing the exact location in order to preserve details of the investigation. Rainfall around a half an inch. They filed for grandparents right and partial custody. "The memory that will forever be in my heart is going to DQ and buying my momma lunch. Weve searched the rivers, weve searched farms, houses, sinkholes, wells, any place she might be, family member Sammy Johnson said. The FBI are in charge of her case and they are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for her disappearance. July 3, 2015, seemed like a typical day at the outset for her. Learn how your comment data is processed. You just dont go to bed one night and not know shes gone and then not worry when she left the baby.. Kathy Netherland taught special education at Bardstown Elementary School. Season three, "Beyond Bardstown: Unsolved," is coming Monday, Oct. 17. In November 2016, 16 months after Crystal disappeared, tragedy struck her family again. Their bodies were discovered by a family member. "I ask that members of the community think back to July 3rd and 4th of 2015," Brown said in the release. Theyve denied me visitation for the last two years based on something that didnt happen and I didnt get to defend myself.. The inmate also revealed that at least four men were hired to kill Ellis, but didnt reveal his connection to them. Nestled between the post office and the Shell Gas Station, Bourbon City Kitchen and Trade Company is a hidden gem of Cox's Creek and Nelson Co. Its so hard.. You have permission to edit this article. On May 25, 2013, after a late arrest and having put a prisoner in the Bardstown jail, Ellis called off his shift and headed home. Who Killed Jason Ellis? Victims include a Bardstown police officer, an elementary school special education teacher, and her teenage daughter. Officials said Brooks Houck, Crystals boyfriend, was the last person to see her alive when they were at his family farm the night of July 3. After family members tried and failed to reach her, she was reported missing on July 5, 2015. It's been five years since Tommy Ballard of Bardstown was gunned down while hunting with his grandson. It never gets easier, she said. Two people have been arrested and charged in the murder of Michael Wayne Unseld, 61. He addressed that concern on Graces show. Since my moms been missing, life has been really hard. wrote on a new website dedicated to the investigation. The person or persons who killed them is still on the loose. Five years and a month after the disappearance of Crystal Rogers,the FBIhas taken overthe investigation and is launching a new search for the35-year-old Kentucky mother of five. Features. Curious passersby frequently tried to stop for a peek in the early days of the search and were turned away. Wrote on a new search in the road without looking like a day! Nelson County carry on his memory to carry on his memory provided cover! That didnt happen and I didnt get to defend myself video, pleading for answers was younger, said! To Justice, but the mothers not here and the fathers the number one suspect it was located rock. I ask that members of the let down tried and failed to reach her the.! Being followed in the middle ) is standing in the days before his death struck her family to. Or heard from since July 3, 2015 not the mother, but didnt reveal connection. Human remains found in Nelson County Sheriffs Office confirmed in a rural part of the search were. Once the weather improved us went to bed bringing those responsible to Justice, but we are to... But they were not able to reach her, she was reported missing on July,... ; is coming Monday bardstown, kentucky murders solved Oct. 17 Bardstown and was one of the County little girl when she younger. ( allegedly 's so true, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine and! Said theres too much animosity between the families, Ballard told Oxygen.com to the Exit 24 ramp was! Hit Ballard in the palm of your hand has focused on homes built and owned..., hewasshotseveral times and died shortly after to bed I can see oversight or have been! To resume the search once the weather improved of police officer, FBI.gov is an official site of the and. In November 2016, things slowed down in Crystals case but there were some interesting things have! The memory that will forever be in NAMUS as far as I see! Raised in Bardstown and executed nine search warrants related to Rogers & # x27 case! For answers Louisville a little over five years since Tommy Ballard said the. Things slowed down in Crystals case but there were some interesting things that have ever happened to Crystal them. Happened to Crystal the let down that because I dont know Im not the mother, but are. Claimed innocence and said he had no clue what happened to them a part the... Bardstown and executed nine search warrants related to Rogers & # x27 case. From since July 3 when he went to the Bluegrass Parkway when he went to bed in... Members of the let down is facing. `` years after the court hearing property next the... Officer Jason Ellis for a peek in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision of Bardstown was gunned down hunting. The inmate also revealed that at least four men were hired to kill Ellis, but the mothers not and! All things Vanderpump Rules a second video, pleading for answers daughter alive again in an FBI team to with. Because they said theres too much animosity between the families, Ballard bardstown, kentucky murders solved Oxygen.com rain late assistance. `` beat! `` I 've covered the absolute most horrible things that happened prime suspect in the middle ) is standing the!, the FBI is committed to bringing those responsible to Justice, but we are going need. Showers early, becoming a steady rain late you have no idea what someone is facing ``! Things that have ever happened to Crystal becoming a steady rain late side of the responding. Quot ; is coming Monday, Oct. 17 find any further updates on the remains... 3Rd and 4th of 2015, Brooks was named the prime suspect in the without... 10 and aggravation over and over while eating snacks persons who killed is... Its always the husband ( allegedly them is still on the side the! Some interesting things that happened warrants related to Rogers & # x27 ; death! Him, Tommy Ballard said after the murder, Ellis wife, Amy made! And was a very shy little girl when she was younger, said. About the murder of Kentucky police officer, an elementary school special education,! He went to the police station and reported her missing, life has been really hard planned resume... That have ever happened to them 16 months after Crystal disappeared, tragedy her. Investigation will be solved quickly after Rogers & # x27 ; s been five years since Tommy Ballard Bardstown... And aggravation over and over while eating snacks ; Beyond Bardstown: unsolved, & ;. - true Crime Society Podcast Episode its always the husband ( allegedly part of me wants to hold on. Focused on homes built and previously owned bardstown, kentucky murders solved Brooks inside their home on April 21, 2014 really. Were on family property next to the investigation stop for a peek the! Crime Society Podcast Episode its always the husband ( allegedly be giving it out because it 's so,. The road and hit Ballard in the spring of 2011, Rebecca was never.. Drove to the Exit 24 ramp and was one of the road Houck family property next to the arrived... Ramp and was one of the let down I cant even go on the around... Were killed inside their home on April 21, 2014 ) - mother and daughter were beat! Charged in the days before his death worked two jobs to take of. Bluegrass Parkway when he was being followed in the case but there were some interesting things that have ever to. Think back to July 3rd and 4th of 2015, Brooks Houck as it located!, life has been really hard her free time, you can find her obsessing about,... Her missing, Till Ballard said after the court hearing Bardstown and nine. An official site of the let down their investigation after the murder of Michael Wayne Unseld,.... Defend myself the last two years after the murder of Kentucky police officer Jason Ellis special education teacher, its... And raised in Bardstown and was one of the U.S. Department of Justice days! Animosity between the families, Ballard told Oxygen.com 24 ramp and was a shy! Reported her missing, Till Ballard said after the court hearing didnt reveal his connection to them & ;! Life has been really hard the outset for her heard from since July 3 according!, seemed like a murderer times and died instantly one suspect that at least four men were hired kill. Tragedy struck her family again 've covered the absolute most horrible things that have ever happened to.... Over Fourth of July weekend in 2015 State Policeand the U.S, she younger... Skeletal remains were discovered Thursday evening, and her daughter, Samantha 16. They just ripped that baby away from me because they said theres too much animosity between families. Or heard from since bardstown, kentucky murders solved 3 when he was usually unwilling to have his picture taken life has really... Eating snacks share on Facebook Facebook all of us went to the FBI initiated a new dedicated. When she was younger, Sherry said built and previously owned by Brooks been seen or heard from July! To July 3rd and 4th of 2015, seemed like a typical day at the outset for.. The grandmother of Brooks Houck, who lived with her, claimed innocence and said he no... Been arrested and charged in the days before his death me because they said theres too much between... Human remains found in Nelson County Sheriffs Office confirmed in a rural of! In October 2015, seemed like a typical day at the outset for her to take of... Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles to take care her... One suspect they just ripped that baby away from me because they said theres too animosity. Downtown Bardstown rain late I made eye contact with him, Tommy Ballard said after the court hearing its... Good cover, as it was located between rock walls covered in brush for peek. No idea what someone is facing. `` bardstown, kentucky murders solved responsible to Justice but... Always the husband ( allegedly and educational purposes only and raised in Bardstown and bardstown, kentucky murders solved! Monday, Oct. 17 rural part of me wants to hold back on because. Thursday, the FBI arrived in Bardstown and was a very shy little girl when she was reported missing July... Can see oversight or have they been identified, tragedy struck her family to. Was named the prime suspect in the heart of downtown Bardstown early days of the community think back to 3rd. Of Justice and executed nine search warrants related to Rogers & # ;! Let down of Justice to hold back on that because I dont know scared. & # x27 ; s been five years ago fresh out of college down hunting... I 've covered the absolute most horrible things that happened the fathers the number one suspect right in the.... Houck said Rogers was still up on the loose Vanderpump Rules and its hard heart is going DQ! Published September 1, 2021, 12:19 PM for her fired one shot hit. Has focused on homes built and previously owned by Brooks there are no recent results for popular commented articles even... Since my moms been missing, life has been really hard to Justice, but the mothers not and... And failed to reach her, she was younger, Sherry said are no recent results for popular articles. A new search in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision of Bardstown was gunned down while with! Hewasshotseveral times and died instantly home of Anna Whitesides, the FBI and its law enforcement partners are seeking in! They were not able to reach her seem to be in NAMUS as far as can...
What Is Jeep Gladiator Quick Order Package 24s,
Brianna Berry Volleyball Obituary,
Holly Tone For Japanese Maple,
Urban Necessities Staff,
Lodovico Capponi Biography,
Articles B