Brooks Houck arraignment brings possible link in killing of Crystal Rogers’ father

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WLKY) -The Kentucky man charged with the 2015 death of his girlfriend appeared in court Thursday.

His girlfriend at the time, a mother of five children, one of which is his, disappeared eight years ago.

Brooks Houck had long been considered a suspect but wasn’t charged until last week.

On Thursday, there was a bombshell in court.

The prosecutor said there’s new information that could link Houck’s family to the death of her father.

Shane Young told the judge his team was waiting on tests for a firearm he believes was used to murder Crystal Rogers’ father, Tommy Ballard.

Young said they purchased the firearm from Nicholas Houck, who was using a false name while selling the rifle.

“There’s five criteria they’re looking at and so far it’s matched four of the five criteria,” Young says.

Nick Houck, a former Bardstown police officer and Brooks Houck’s brother, is not facing any charges.

This is the first time there has been a possible link between the murders of Crystal Rogers and her father.

Till Ballard, Tommy Ballard’s father, said, “We thought it all along, but after prosecutor Shane made that statement, we felt a whole lot better.”

Till Ballard joined Roger’s mother, Sherry Ballard, and her children in court Thursday.

Houck joined the hearing via video from the Hardin County Jail.

After a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, his attorney, Brian Butler, argued Houck was a low flight risk and asked for his $10 million bond to be reduced to a $500,000 cash bond.

“He has family that loves him, he has friends that love him, his son is here, his business is here,” Butler says. “He cannot and he will not leave, and he’s proven that.

But Young argued the high bond was justified, showing the combined tax assessments for the three companies owned by Houck at more than $8 million.

Young says, “$500,000 to an individual who is a multi-millionaire, when you’re looking at the rest of your life in prison is not a lot to pay.”

And while the judge did not immediately rule on bond, Roger’s family is hopeful Brooks Houck will remain behind bars.

“He deserves where he’s at,” Till Ballard says. “He needs to be there the rest of his life. That’s what I’m hoping for Brooks Houck.”

While Brooks Houck is charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence in the death of Crystal Rogers, it’s important to note neither he nor any member of his family has been charged in the murder of her father.

This is a developing story. We will provide an update as further information is released.