In the same article, however, Trooper Gregory said, "I have no reason at this time to believe they're connected, but it's not something that we're discarding either.". Plus, you could smell bourbon everywhere. There has been gossip about the surviving daughter being involved, but I see no actual evidence of that. Really sad case. A title I suggest is, "Something Rotten in Bardstown." "This is one of those things that I'm not comfortable talking about. Everyone wants to know what the hell is going on. There's a very good, well-researched article about these cases here that includes some other unsolved murders that have occurred in the area. In a finely-detailed report on Elliss murder by Jessica Noll of WCPO-TV, its clear that despite aggressive efforts by local law enforcement and the FBI, the officers murder remains unsolved. He was with his 11-year-old grandson and on family property at the time of his death, butpolice have ruled out the child as the shooter. I used to believe that the murder of police officer Jason Ellis on May 25, 2013, the Netherland Murders on April 21, 2014, the disappearance of Crystal Rogers on July 3, 2015, and the murder of Tommy Ballard on November 19, 2016 in Bardstown, Kentucky were all related. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Prior to the rash of unsolved high-profile murders, the counties around Bardstown were home to The Cornbread Mafia, rural farmers turned drug traffickers, who at their peak ran the largest marijuana production operation in the United States. Details: After his daughter, Crystal Rogers, disappeared in July 2015, Tommy Ballard created Team Crystal, a group of Bardstown, Kentucky, community members dedicated to finding Crystal and bringing her home. The two had been beaten and killed. Join Nancy Grace and a team of world-class experts for the online course Justice Nation: Crime Stops Here. Tommy tells his wife he is being followed. The land, which sits on 30 acres, is owned by the mother of Brooks Houck, who was named a suspect in the case in 2017. Police said the Netherlands were murdered around 8 p.m. on the evening of Monday, April 21 at their home in Nelson County's Botland community. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. That case was never solved. In 2017, Kentucky State Police hired former troopers to investigate the cases of both Rogers andJason Ellis, aBardstown police officerwho wasambushed in 2013and killedby at least two people. Crystal, her father, and officer Ellis were killed near some sort of highway. The Police Chief at the time of the murders, who has since been fired, had a reputation as a ladies man who was rumored to have had affairs with local married women. Samantha Netherland was a sophomore at Bardstown High School. Thats how I remember Bardstown. A cop, Crystal Rogers, her father, and a school teacher and her daughter were all murdered and no one knows anything about it. That October, Nick Houck was fired from the police forceor allegedly interfering with the investigation of Crystal Rogers disappearance,according to NBC affiliate WLEX. I ended thinking Crystals disappearance and the murders of Tommy Ballard and Jason Ellis are connected. Ellis had signed off on the radio and was driving home when he encountered branches blocking the road on exit 34 of the Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown, Kentucky. It was a savage double murderKathy had been shot several times, Samantha bludgeoned, and their throats slashed. "When my daughter went missing, Brooks was building in that neighborhood.". Just heard about these murders, here are my thoughts: The murder of the mother and her 16 yr old daughter appears to be someone they know who absolutely had a personal vendetta against them. It didnt even begin with Crystals mysterious disappearance in July 2015. The department had its share of petty corruption but nothing that could b e linked to the murders. He was pronounced dead at the scene on a farm located on Ed Brent Lane. Indiana true crime podcasters Ashley and Brit examine three mysterious murders and disappearances in Bardstown, Kentucky that they think may be related, including those of Crystal Rogers and her father. Mr. Ballard seems to have been a much loved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who was simply looking for answers about his daughter. It definitely could have been someone known to them but so far I haven't seen a good suspect. The Bardstown Murders are a series of 5 unsolved deaths over 3 years starting in 2013. Kathy Netherland, a special education teacher, and her 16 year old daughter Samantha are brutally murdered in their own home. . I am simply using him as an example. They lived in a white tin-roofed home at 5120 Springfield Road outside Bardstown near the intersection of State Routes 150 and 605. As for Crystal Rogers, i don't know why but i'd say this one is not connected, if it is connected then its strange of how all of them (Jason, Kathy, Samantha) were killed on the spot and Crystal is just missing. Details: Kathy Netherland, 48, and her daughter, Samantha, 16, were killed inside their home on April 21, 2014. He was the Bardstown PDs K-9 Officer. Their bodies were discovered by a family member. Alternately known as The Bardstown Murders or the The Nelson County Murders, the area is at the center of five unsolved deaths and disappearances, which continue to inspire speculation, gossip and intrigue far beyond the county line. Complicating the investigation was that fact that Houcks brother. How do you protect your children from predators? The HLN cable channel is a spinoff of CNN. Get InsideHook in your inbox. Back then, Sherry. Samantha had been bludgeoned with her throat slit, while Kathy was shot numerous times. To watch the 2018 series, visitOxygen's site. Ballard's grandson, who was with him during the trip,was not responsible for Ballard's death, Kentucky State Police detectives later said. According to death certificates obtained by WAVE 3 News, 48-year-old Kathy Netherland was shot multiple times. [] It's taking a lot of energy and effort. To. They was stabbed, and one was shot. All rights reserved. It would be great if someone came forward and gave information to help solve these whether they're related or not and I hope someone does soon. Noll, along with investigative reporter co-host Shay McAlister, of WHAS11 in Louisville, created Bardstown in an attempt to figure out if the crimes are connected. There's a lot of locals around here who'd tell you a lot of tales of corruption in Bardstown, and that they really think the police are covering it up. Although detectives considered Houck a suspect, he was never charged in connection with Crystals disappearance. Seems like almost everybody around knew her and everyone is still thinking of her. Thanks for sharing. Tommy Ballard had been shot in the chest while hunting with his grandson. Our hope in telling their stories is that the right person hears it and is compelled to finally come forward., The community, the victims, the families deserve justice.. On the morning of April 22, 2014, Kentucky State Troopers found the mother and daughter dead at their home. That's the type of person she was. Please call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Their bodies were discovered by a family member. And the Kentucky State Police have brought two investigators out of retirement to help in the Ellis case. Lots of corruption. Crystal Rogers' disappearance featured on HLN Investigations, The 2015 disappearance of Crystal Rogers of Bardstown is the topic of the season premiere of HLN's "Real Life Nightmare." Replies analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged. It was the sort of town a young man or woman visits and finds themselves wondering what was so great about the big city, anyway. You could have the information we need to desperately solve these cases.". Unfortunately, the Ballard family went through a similar situation in 1982, when Tommys sister, Sherry Ballard, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was murdered by her then-husband, Edsel Eddie Barnes because he didnt want to pay child support. Within a very few short minutes of his killing a couple of vehicles rolled up on the scene and both of them attempted to use the police radio to get help for him. Nov 2, 2018 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A three-judge panel of the Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the 6-year-old son of Crystal Rogers, the Bardstown woman who disappeared in July. This new information has not been confirmed by law enforcement, but the Kentucky State Police say they are investigating the inmates claims. On Monday, a search was being conducted at a farm at 345 Paschal Ballard Lane. Detectives found the pair brutally murdered. Kathy Netherland taught special education at Bardstown Elementary School. Federal agents, with help from Nelson County highway department vehicles, were continuing to zero in on a driveway and truck away pieces of concrete and materials from outside a home. To ensure the safety of the public, he got out of his vehicle to clear the branches. According to Brooks Houck (with whom Crystal lived), she was last seen playing games on her phone until late on the night of July 3. in his girlfriends disappearance, which he believes to be a homicide. The pair were probably in the lowest risk group for being murder victims. "We will definitely send something out when that changes," Anderson said. ", "I just hope that I can handle that, when they come to me with that news, even though Ive waited for six years," shesaid. More on Jason Ellis: Who killed Bardstown Officer? I'm innocent. While removing the branches he is shot several times and dies shortly afterward. He was said to have been trying to clean up drug activity in the area, this could have made him a target, but I have always had a gut feeling that this was either a completely random crime or was possibly a personal crime against him, not police related. Its a real place, sits between Lebanon and Danville. On the first anniversary of the murders, the Netherland family increased the reward for information about the killings from $2,500 to $50,000. Crystal RogersVictim of (Potentially) Related Crime, Jason EllisVictim of (Potentially) Related Crime, Samantha and Kathy NetherlandVictim of (Potentially) Related Crime. Were you traveling on Bluegrass Highway between mile markers 21 and 25 on November 19, 2016, before 7:30 am? I can't remember which pod I heard it on - it's been years. [PREVIOUS STORY: Black Chevy Impala is suspect vehicle in Nelson Co. murders, says KSP]. FBI agents have conducted multiple searches in and near Bardstown since Rogers went missing. Where the case stands today. She went on to say her husband Tommy "was never going to give up for my daughter, and he was going to push, and I think people knew that. The utterly brutal murder the Netherlands on a pleasant country road is as strange as Elliss murder. pokesperson Lt. Michael Webb said police haven't ruled out the possibility that the cases might be connected, but offered no further details. There was also gossip that Kathy taught Jason Ellis son at Bardstown Elementary School. I hope they receive justice in the near future. After exiting his police cruiser to investigate, he was ambushed. #BREAKING: FBI Louisville is conducting judicially authorized activity at 345 Paschal Ballard Lane, Bardstown, KY in relation to the federal investigation into the disappearance of Crystal Rogers. Otherwise, it remains unsolved as of January 2018. They also examine how the brutal, unsolved murders have impacted the small town, population 13,165. Regarding the thought of finally finding out what happened to her daughter, Ballard said, "I want it, but its going to be so hard for me. He was with his 11-year-old grandson and on family property at the time of his death, butpolice have ruled out the child as the shooter, according to WDRB. My opinion-Is it possible that the person who committed this awful crime wanted to kill someone, anyone and it didn't matter who it was? I could see those being connected. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Crystal Rogers case: FBI Louisville, other federal agencies search for Crystal Rogers with new warrants. I say the cops are involved and the school teacher/her daughter found out something they werent supposed to find out. I honestly don't know the situation in Bardstown but lets say that these murders are all connected. The first killing to send shock waves through the community was the 2013 murderof 33-year-old Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis on May 25 of that year. [] It's taking a lot of energy and effort. The still-unsolved 2016 shooting death of 54-year-old Tommy Ballard is the most recent of four killings and a disappearance that have haunted the picturesque small town of Bardstown, Kentucky. The first killing to send shock waves through the community was. How sad all of these cases are. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The police force is corrupt too. The same day Rogers was reported missing, her car was found abandoned with a flat tire at mile marker 14 on the Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown, Kentucky. Published: Feb. 27, 2023 at 7:24 PM PST. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Brant is a nephewof Bill Sheckles, Bardstowns mayor at the time according to WAVE 3. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! The FBI said it is "offering up to a$25,000 rewardfor informationleading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible" for Rogers' disappearance. As an Eastern Kentuckian.. yeah. (Family Photo) Then on November 19, while he was out hunting on his rural property very early in the morning, a shot rang out. I think that the murderer(s) believed that Tommy was bringing too much attention to them in their small town and wanted to shut him up. He is clearly the focus of the investigation. Within months of the murders, police had searched more than 90 cars in the area that matched the vehicle description, according to WDRB,. The brush was a trapone that was sprung when someone ambushed Ellis, shooting him several times with a shotgun. She didn't receive an inheritance when her mother and sister were killed and the idea that she killed her remaining family (her father recently passed from cancer) because they supposedly didnt like her boyfriend doesnt seem like a real motive. Crystal Rogers' mom speaks out: As FBI searches Bardstown subdivision, Sherry Ballard hopes for 'answers this time'. One of the only clues released was a blurry gas station surveillance photo of a black Chevrolet Impala. ", "My mom is a very special woman," one of Rogers' daughterswrote on a website dedicated to the investigation. Though just an hour south of the major metropolitan hub of Louisville, Bardstown, Kentucky, is a world away. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Kathy and Samantha murder, don't you think this one is so f-ing brutal ? The mother and daughter were found dead in their home on Springfield Road near Bardstown. Its been called the most beautiful small town in America, but four unsolved murders and the disappearance of a beloved mother-of-five left an ugly stain on Bardstown, Kentucky. Its a clich by now, but the Bardstown where I lived 27 years ago really was the kind of place where people didnt always lock their doors. But theres never been any solid evidence that he was. The Kentucky Standard reported in October 2015 that detectives believed hed killed Crystal during a fight. The Nelson County Coroner's Office reportedly said he was shot once in the chest, with the bullet entering his chest and exiting his back. My opinion-The only explanation for their murders that I see, is that its possibly a random horrific murder. Though all occurred in Nelson County, that doesnt mean there is a real connection, save the seemingly obvious one between the disappearance of Crystal Rogers and her fathers death. I hope they get justice. In the absence of any arrests, Bardstowns bars and backstreets have pulsed with conspiracy theories trying to connect the dots between Bardstowns mysterious unsolved crimes. Kentucky, like other parts of the country, is now grappling with different and more pervasive types of drug epidemics like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, which has some wondering if the drug trade has played a part in any of the Bardstown mysteries. As recently as July 2017 police searched the home of Houcks grandmother. I think the other 3 are related. NELSON COUNTY, Ky. (WAVE) - It has been seven years since mother and daughter were brutally murdered in Nelson County in the small community of Botland. My Theories on the Bardstown Murders and the Disappearance of Crystal Rogers I used to believe that the murder of police officer Jason Ellis on May 25, 2013, the Netherland Murders on April 21, 2014, the disappearance of Crystal Rogers on July 3, 2015, and the murder of Tommy Ballard on November 19, 2016 in Bardstown, Kentucky we're all related. That's an important bit that is often overlooked! I agree that it would be easier if they were all related, but I don't think they are. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. He was close to figuring it out too. I say the police are involved. It is a sad, but an almost daily occurrence in the US. An FBI Louisville spokesman previously said all three locations hadalready been searched "to various degrees" over the years. "I have been asked by the police about the relative location of chairs," said Holly. Bardstown PD, however, dismissed the groups claims, with then-police chief Rick McCubbin calling them a bunch of punks, and telling WAVE 3, They're trying to empower themselves by making that claim, intimidating people and using the fear factor that 'I'm so bad I killed a cop.. While Holly was unable to confirm the inmate's claims, she said his theories about the gang initiation and trophies being taken from the crime scene were possible. It was as out-of-the-way and quiet a spot as you could imagine. The tragic events began six years ago. " I'm just praying this will bring us some kind of closure. All towns and cities have shadows, but when I lived there from May to September 1990 as a cast member in The Stephen Foster Story, I didnt see many. In March, 2018,the Kentucky House of Representatives and State Senate passed a resolutionhonoring the victims of the Bardstown Murders, urging witnesses to come forward. A more likely explanation would be a killer who did not know the intended victims and got the wrong address. I'm innocent. Ellis was hit multiple times and died on the side of the road. And a little further north, On the day after Easter 2014, 48-year-old Kathy Netherland and her 16-year-old daughter, Samantha, were brutally murdered inside their home in Botland, just outside the Bardstown city limits.. The Rogers and Ballard cases are even moving forward as of January 2018, as investigators have been searching the farm where they believe Crystal was killed. A year later, mom and daughter, Kathy and Samantha Netherland, lost their lives inside their rural home, just outside of Bardstown. Then again, I couldnt determine whether he was even on the force in 2013. Greek stationmaster arrested in head-on train crash; 36 dead. She would have had [a cellphone].". Uncovered is where the most passionate true crime enthusiasts can learn from and teach others. "Crystal was a very good girl. Kentucky State Police believe the person or persons inside a black Chevrolet Impala seen traveling north on U.S. 150 from Botland into Bardstown on the night of the murders are responsible for the crimes. The FBI has not released more details on the "items of interest" that were sent to the Virginia lab for testing. Kinda like those 2 kids who made a video after killing their classmate. The murders of Kathy and Samantha Netherland remain unsolved. In August of 2017, Tommy Ballard's two brothers put up a sign offering $20,000 for information leading to an arrest of the person who murdered their brother. Its striking to note that theres been so little progress in the investigation into the death of Officer Ellis. Houck and Rogers have a son together. The next morning Crystal vanishes, but Brooks does not think it's odd because she occasionally spent the night at the homes of her friends. It's a relatively small town and to have so many deaths and a disappearance, I assumed they all had to be related, but I have recently started to look at other ideas. Bardstown Murders and Mysteries: Brookelyn Farthing, Disappearance of Crystal Rogers 104: This is Much Bigger than Kentucky. Rogers wasnot known to go anywhere without her kids, according to the FBI. I mean, that would explain why they didn't get a call off because I know my mom always had a phone in her hand. A 35 year old woman named Crystal Rogers went missing from Bardstown, Kentucky back in 2015. All I know about the boyfriend was that he was former military and her mother apparently disinvited him to their home for Thanksgiving. 5 years later, nobody knows. Absolutely. In the fall of 2016, Tommy tells his wife Sherry that he believes he is being followed, but he is unsure of who is following him. Bourbon Town Mystery, produced by the HLN Investigations team, takes a deep dive into the disappearance of Rogers. honoring the victims of the Bardstown Murders, urging witnesses to come forward. A seven-year veteran of the Bardstown police department and a member of the K-9 unit, Jason Ellis was ambushed and brutally gunned down at around 2-3 a.m. on May 25, 2013. Paying a little homage to the Baard and his, "Something is rotten in Denmark." That same month his brother Nick Houck was fired from the Bardstown P.D. KSP investigators are asking for the public's help identifying the occupants of the vehicle, which was seen near the Netherlands' home on April 21. The six episodes in the entire "Real Life Nightmare" series, which focuses on other mysterious cases, will be available on-demand the day after the broadcast premiere via cable/satellite systems. The ex-troopers were also looking into Tommy Ballard's death and theslaying of teacher Kathy Netherland and her teenage daughter Samanthain 2014. If you have any information regarding Tommys case, please contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALLFBI. Theres also a $200,000 reward. Small towns where everybody knows each others business are notorious hotbeds of gossip. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Bardstown is at the center of five unsolved deaths and disappearances, including that of Crystal Rogers,and they continue to inspire speculation, gossip and intrigue far beyond the county line. A seven-year veteran of the department and member of the K-9 unit, Ellis had just gotten off work and was driving home when he found a stack of freshly cut tree limbs blocking the road at his exit off the Bluegrass Parkway. "That's not something we've ruled out either, that's a good possibility," said KSP Trooper Jeff Gregory. ", None of her claims, however, have ever been substantiated. Police haven't ruled out any suspects as of now but, they are leaning towards the theory that multiple people may have been involved. Day:Signs show up on the first anniversary of Tommy Ballard's death. Could a fellow student have killed her? While police initially treated Ballards death as a possible hunting accident, it eventually became clear it wasnt. They lived in a small, isolated neighborhood. The following is just my opinion and are my personal theories only. Approximately 150 miles away in a small town similar to many in the Tri-County, five murders are unsolved, one with a connection to the Tri-County. Her car was found abandoned on the Bluegrass Parkwaywith her keys, phone and purse still inside. I did an in-depth multi-part series on the subject a few years ago. She later married but I dont know if it was to him or someone else. I don't need an attorney. Location where Tommy Ballard was shot and killed while hunting with his grandson. Another detail that struck Holly was the alleged torture that her mother and sister endured during the attack. City officials held an administrative hearing on Nick Houck's actions and fired him a day later. The person or persons who killed them is still on the loose. Her attorney told the Louisville Courier-Journal that they were looking for bullets and a reloader and had taken the reloader into evidence. None, however, have led to any arrests. My opinion-I do believe this murder is connected to the disappearance of his daughter, Crystal Rogers. Last year, the FBI tore up a driveway in a subdivision of Bardstown whileconducting "several searches" related to the disappearance ofRogers. It doesn't mean we can't change that title later. Bardstown Fire Chief Billy Mattingly saidthe house may have been set on fire by disgruntled employees who worked for Brooks Houck. Crystal Rogerss family has already been afflicted with too much tragedy. The FBI reportedly said the residents of the property that investigators and construction equipment focused on had no connection to the case, and the federal agency said it will pay for any repairs to the property. Could he have been targeted? And the efforts to figure out what happened to Crystal . Jason was very active . If you have information related to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, please call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit www.crystalrogerstaskforce.com. Tommy was married to Sherry and they had eight grandchildren. Outside of work, he was heavily involved in the community including coaching youth baseball. In season one, host Shay McAlister investigated five unsolved crimes in and around Bardstown, Ky. You can live there your whole life and not know many people. . ), If you have information related to the murder of Tommy Ballard, call 1-800-Call-FBI or submit a tip at- https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/tommy-ballard. Her daughter, Samantha, was a 16-year-old sophomore in high school. [PREVIOUS STORY: Friend of murdered teacher says she 'loved her daughters more than anything']. According todeath certificates obtained byWAVE 3,Kathy had been shot multiple times, and Samantha had been bludgeoned in the head. A bullet hit Ballard in his chest while he was out hunting. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Is Tommys murder connected to the other Bardstown unsolved cases? "The memory that will forever be in my heart is going to DQ and buying my momma lunch. What you are about to read is not a news broadcast. Rogers, a 35-year-old mother of five children, was reported missing on July 3, 2015, from Bardstown. Ellis stopped, turned on his blue lights and got out of his cruiser to clear them. Their only possible clue was a black Chevrolet Impala, which had been filmed near the crime scene on April 21, 2014, the night of the murder. Outerknowns Top-Rated Blanket Shirt Is on Sale at Huckberry, Shibui Will Make You Rethink Japanese Whisky (In a Good Way), 17 Black-Owned Clothing Brands and Designers That Every Stylish Man Should Know, Heres Why You Should Consider Skipping Your Next Inflight Meal. Spokesperson Lt. Michael Webb said police haven't ruled out the possibility that the cases might be connected, but offered no further details, according to The Courier-Journal. Kathy Netherland taught special education at Bardstown Elementary. The next mystery to befall Bardstown was the 2015 disappearance of 35-year-old Crystal Rogers. Sign up now. The Bardstown PD is a common denominator to all but the Netherland killings but the connections are vague. On Sept. 7, 2021, the FBI announced that search in Bardstown had ended, with several "items of interest" sent to a lab in Virginia for testing. Someone traveling through, a violent person, someone like ngel Maturino Resndiz who traveled through the US, killing multiple people that were strangers to him. LOUISVILLE, KY. Another search is underway relating to the 2015 disappearance of Crystal Rogers in Bardstown, Kentucky. In a bizarre twist, on November 19, 2016, Crystals father, Tommy Ballard, was fatally shotin the chest by an unknown gunmen while out hunting. The personal beating of Samantha is what keeps me from thinking it was somebody random, though I also can't hypothesize who would have had such an issue or contempt with the girl to beat her so badly before killing her. A subreddit dedicated to the unresolved mysteries of the world. Law enforcement started swarming in on the area very quickly after that from multiple directions. No arrests have been made in connection withRogers' disappearance. "There's people in the community that have information but they're afraid to come forward," she told CBS affiliate WLKY. Its free. Till the day he died, family said, Tommy Ballard never stopped looking for his daughter Crystal. Kathy Netherland taught special education at Bardstown Elementary School.
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