Special Prosecutor Shane Young responded to the recent filings made by the suspects charged in the Crystal Rogers investigation.
Attorneys for Brooks Houck filed an objection to the special prosecutor’s motion to try Houck, Steven Lawson, and Joseph Lawson in the same trial, with attorneys for the Lawsons joining the objection. Houck’s attorneys stated that Houck could not get a fair trial as trying the three together would take away his ability to cross-examine the Lawsons.
Special Prosecutor Shane Young said in response: “There is no undue prejudice as a result of defendants pointing fingers at each other, rather our courts have favored joinder in such instances.” Young also says it is important to try the three together in order for the jury to see the prosecution’s argument that the three worked together to cover-up the crimes committed.
Young also responded to the motion to dismiss charges against Steven Lawson due to his claim that he was offered immunity. Young says Lawson was charged because of inconsistencies with his story, and it is ultimately up to his defense to prove in court his immunity argument.
All three suspects are expected back in court for a pre-trial conference on June 13. Meanwhile, Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III is reviewing a motion filed by the prosecutor and the defenses to move the trial out of Nelson County.
