Talking Dateline: The Trouble in Bardstown
- Nov 12, 2025
- 23:19
- Full Episode
<p>Lester Holt sits down with Andrea Canning to discuss her latest episode, “The Trouble in Bardstown.” When mother-of-five Crystal Rogers disappeared from Bardstown, Kentucky in 2015, it wasn’t the first tragedy to strike the small town — and it wouldn’t be the last. Her father, Tommy Ballard, was killed the following year. This summer, Crystal’s former boyfriend, Brooks Houck, and two other men were convicted in connection to her death. But Tommy’s and three additional murders remain unsolved, and the Bardstown community wants answers. Andrea tells Lester about the crimes that stunned and divided residents and gives updates on where the investigations stand now. Then, she shares a podcast-exclusive clip from her interview with Crystal’s mother, Sherry Ballard. Later, Dateline producer Rachel White, who worked on the episode, joins Andrea to answer viewer and listener questions from social media. </p><p> </p><p>Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us a video to @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252. Your question may be featured in an upcoming episode.</p><p> </p><p>Listen to the full episode “The Trouble in Bardstown” on Apple:<a> https://apple.co/4oAeTIB</a></p><p>Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mrkpz1zLlKhK7LD0UW3id">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mrkpz1zLlKhK7LD0UW3id</a></p><p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Brief Summary
Andrea Canning discusses the unsolved case of Crystal Rogers and its impact on Bardstown, Kentucky, including family dynamics and ongoing investigations.
Key points
- The Trouble in Bardstown. A mother of five, Crystal Rogers, disappeared in 2015, leading to a complex murder case.
- Community Impact. The murders have left Bardstown residents feeling anxious and distrustful.
- Unindicted Co-Conspirators. The Houck family is publicly named as unindicted co-conspirators in Crystal's case.
- The Pain of Loss. Sherry Ballard shares the emotional toll of losing her daughter and husband.
- Hope for Justice. Despite the challenges, there's a belief that justice can still be served.
Episode highlights
- The Trouble in BardstownA mother of five, Crystal Rogers, disappeared in 2015, leading to a complex murder case.“Five murders in four years is a shocking statistic in a small town like that.”1:51Nov 12, 2025
- Community ImpactThe murders have left Bardstown residents feeling anxious and distrustful.“There was fear, anxiety.”2:06Nov 12, 2025
- Unindicted Co-ConspiratorsThe Houck family is publicly named as unindicted co-conspirators in Crystal's case.“That's the first time I've ever in a story had unindicted co-conspirators.”4:40Nov 12, 2025
- The Pain of LossSherry Ballard shares the emotional toll of losing her daughter and husband.“It just sucks out all the joy out of your life.”7:26Nov 12, 2025
- Hope for JusticeDespite the challenges, there's a belief that justice can still be served.“I think there's a chance for Tommy's murder to be solved.”12:42Nov 12, 2025
