The Trouble in Bardstown
- Nov 11, 2025
- 1:22:30
- Full Episode
<p>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.</p><p>Lester Holt and Andrea Canning go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’</p><p>Listen on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/47Se9Ya">https://apple.co/47Se9Ya</a></p><p>Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zpcZPaYOtJKWFGD2vW3KK">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zpcZPaYOtJKWFGD2vW3KK</a></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
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
