The Trouble in Bardstown
- Nov 11, 2025
- 1:22:30
- Full Episode
Synchronizing the audio with the ad breaks and transcriptThis takes a brief moment, please wait.
The disappearance of Kentucky mother-of-five Crystal Rogers in Bardstown sends shockwaves through the picturesque community and ignites a decade-long fight for justice. Andrea Canning reports.
Lester Holt and Andrea Canning go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/47Se9Ya
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zpcZPaYOtJKWFGD2vW3KK
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brief Summary
Crystal Rogers went missing in 2015, leading to her father's investigation and a series of murders in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Key points
- A Town in Turmoil. Bardstown, once peaceful, is rocked by a string of murders and Crystal's case.
- The Search for Answers. The investigation into Crystal's disappearance reveals more questions than answers.
- Brooks Houck's Alibi. Crystal's boyfriend Brooks provides a timeline of events leading up to her disappearance.
- Brooks's Phone Call. Brooks receives a late-night call from Steve Lawson, raising suspicions about their conversation.
- Tommy's Investigation. Tommy Ballard launches his own investigation into Crystal's disappearance, determined to find her.
- Tommy's Death. Tommy is shot while hunting, raising fears in the community about his investigation.
Episode highlights
- A Town in TurmoilBardstown, once peaceful, is rocked by a string of murders and Crystal's case.“A string of murders rocks a small town.”1:04Nov 11, 2025
- The Search for AnswersThe investigation into Crystal's disappearance reveals more questions than answers.“The questions were mounting.”6:18Nov 11, 2025
- Brooks Houck's AlibiCrystal's boyfriend Brooks provides a timeline of events leading up to her disappearance.“I was not, in the least little bit, alarmed in any way, shape, or form.”22:08Nov 11, 2025
- Brooks's Phone CallBrooks receives a late-night call from Steve Lawson, raising suspicions about their conversation.“It seems to have been a pre-planned phone call between them.”24:10Nov 11, 2025
- Tommy's InvestigationTommy Ballard launches his own investigation into Crystal's disappearance, determined to find her.“He made it his life's mission.”36:59Nov 11, 2025
- Tommy's DeathTommy is shot while hunting, raising fears in the community about his investigation.“This was obviously premeditated.”45:39Nov 11, 2025
- The Community's FearFive unsolved murders in a small town create a climate of fear and suspicion.“The pressure was on law enforcement.”46:54Nov 11, 2025
- Jason Ellis's Tragic DeathOfficer Jason Ellis is found shot, raising questions about a targeted attack.“What in the hell?”49:46Nov 11, 2025
Tension
85/ 100High tension
