Seems like the Netherland murder may not be connected to the other crimes. There were no witnesses, and no arrests have been made in connection with the fatal shooting. You can live there your whole life and not know many people. Jason was very active . Sherry Ballard said her daughter's children are now 22, 21, 19, 17 and 9. in his girlfriends disappearance, which he believes to be a homicide. I can't remember which pod I heard it on - it's been years. 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. People need to see order and connectedness. She was a very good daughter," Ballard told The Courier Journal. How do you protect your children from predators? 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. Lots of corruption. "I have been asked by the police about the relative location of chairs," said Holly. Bourbon Town Mystery, produced by the HLN Investigations team, takes a deep dive into the disappearance of Rogers. If you have information related to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, you can visit crystalrogerstaskforce.com,call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI,contact your local FBI officeor get in touch with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. That case was never solved. Tommy Ballard is killed on family property, Signs show up on the first anniversary of Tommy Ballard's death, Major Crystal Rogers update as FBI searches Bardstown farm linked to missing mom-of-5 seven years after she vanished | The US Sun, FBI searching farm in connection to KY woman who went missing in 2015 | News | WPSD Local 6, Timeline: The Disappearance of Crystal Rogers, FBI searching Bardstown farm in relation to Crystal Rogers case, FBI extends search for Crystal Rogers on Bardstown farm | whas11.com, FBI: Search on Houck family farm will continue for fourth day | whas11.com, 6 years later: Anniversary of Tommy Ballard's death follows 2nd FBI search in Crystal Rogers disappearance. As an Eastern Kentuckian.. yeah. Someone traveling through, a violent person, someone like ngel Maturino Resndiz who traveled through the US, killing multiple people that were strangers to him. 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. Tommy Ballard had been shot in the chest while hunting with his grandson. To ensure the safety of the public, he got out of his vehicle to clear the branches. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Lived in bardstown when all this was going down. While attempting to remove the debris, he was shot several times and died shortly after. "The memory that will forever be in my heart is going to DQ and buying my momma lunch. Till the day he died, family said, Tommy Ballard never stopped looking for his daughter Crystal. Construction LLC, was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. In season one, host Shay McAlister investigated five unsolved crimes in and around Bardstown, Ky. Crystal RogersVictim of (Potentially) Related Crime, Jason EllisVictim of (Potentially) Related Crime, Samantha and Kathy NetherlandVictim of (Potentially) Related Crime. Within months of the murders, police had searched more than 90 cars in the area that matched the vehicle description, according to WDRB,. When Bauer pressed him for details about how he knew it was gang initiation, he said, "Well, I know they was tortured. City officials held an administrative hearing on Nick Houck's actions and fired him a day later. With a population of just over 14,000. and also boasts of being the Bourbon Capital of the World, due to the presence of six major whiskey distilleries in town. Both Tommy and Sherry fought tirelessly to find their daughter, Crystal who went missing one year before he died. There have been so many murders that the investigators initially believed were personal due the amount of violence subjected to a victim and it turned out later that the killer was just a violent and sick individual. ", The inmate also said a cellphone jammer was placed at the Netherlands' front door to "kill all the signal in the house.". I honestly don't know the situation in Bardstown but lets say that these murders are all connected. Their dead bodies were discovered by Kathys father after she failed to show up for work at Bardstown Elementary School, where she worked as a special education teacher, according to WDRB. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I was actually told from the very beginning that it was no accident, Sherry Ballard said. Kathy had been shot multiple times. That's an important bit that is often overlooked! Victims include a Bardstown police officer, an elementary school special education teacher, and her teenage daughter. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! It's okay to have differing opinions, I just hope they all get a resolution. [Feature Photo: Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin via AP/Timothy D. Easley], WATCH LIVE: Murdaugh Family Murders Day 25: Closing Arguments, Murdaugh Family Murders: Jury Heads to Moselle, the Scene of the Crimes, Ghislaine Maxwells New Attorneys File Appeal of Sex Trafficking Conviction. According todeath certificates obtained byWAVE 3,Kathy had been shot multiple times, and Samantha had been bludgeoned in the head. Bardstown Murders and Mysteries: Brookelyn Farthing, Disappearance of Crystal Rogers 104: This is Much Bigger than Kentucky. In the summer, the drive from I-65 into Bardstown, Kentucky is beautiful. (Barnes received a life sentence. As the Kentucky Standard reported after she vanished, her aunt Sherry Ballard Barnes disappeared in January 1979. I suspect that one or more people murdered Jason to solve a problem and Chrystal and her father were murdered by the same to solve perhaps different problems. He was a patrolman, not a detective. A bullet hit Ballard in his chest while he was out hunting. Following their autopsies, WAVE 3 reportedthat Kathy had been shot multiple times, while Samantha had been bludgeoned about the head, with both women showing knife wounds to their necks. None, however, have led to any arrests. This subreddit is about unsolved mysteries. ", "My mom is a very special woman," one of Rogers' daughterswrote on a website dedicated to the investigation. Tommys case remains unsolved. You could have the information we need to desperately solve these cases.". Kentucky State Police took the lead on the investigation right away. The mother's case has spawned documentaries and podcasts and plenty of news coverage. She suffered more extensive injuries than her mother but it was apparently that their assailant wanted both of them dead. There is no evidence that he was conducting any kind of independent investigation or was privy to any information that Law Enforcement didnt have. 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. Although detectives considered Houck a suspect, he was never charged in connection with Crystals disappearance. No arrests have been made in connection withRogers' disappearance. Share Tommy Ballard's story with your own social network. Replies analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged. Both women had their throats . What you are about to read is not a news broadcast. In the case of Officer Ellis (one of my pet cases) I rather doubt that his killer(s) would've jumped immediately onto the BG Parkway to egress the site or at least they wouldn't have if they were smart. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. 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. According to death certificates obtained by WAVE 3 News, 48-year-old Kathy Netherland was shot multiple times. I have read nothing to suggest that she was anything other than a typical college student. Whenever possible, actual redditors have participated in investigating the events. Ballard told The Courier Journal she has "a lot of hope" that her family will soon finally learn what happened to her daughter. The FBI has not released more details on the "items of interest" that were sent to the Virginia lab for testing. The FBI has been offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to arrests in Ellis' slaying. Press J to jump to the feed. (I think thats coincidental), all of these happened on or in fairly close proximity to the bluegrass parkway. Cassie jo something. For someone to knock on a random door, kill both occupants and leave without any robbery or sexual assault would be an extremely unusual crime. (Family Photo) Two people have been arrested and charged in the murder of Michael Wayne Unseld, 61. There has been a string of unsolved murders and an unsolved disappearance in Nelson County. Details: Kathy Netherland, 48, and her daughter, Samantha, 16, were killed inside their home on April 21, 2014. Season two went beyond Bardstown, investigating a deadly fire in the bayou community of Lacombe, La. It's free. "Pick up the phone, call the number. Whiskey connoisseur? " I'm just praying this will bring us some kind of closure. Copyright 2023 InsideHook. Nick later told the Kentucky State Policethat he only contacted his brother to tell him that "they might be trying to trip him up" and "he should protect himself.". The father was killed because he was ruffling feathers too close to the caseI did find it weird that Crystal owned a dark colored impala and they were presumingly looking for a black impala in the mother/daugher murders. Still, it seems stalled. Her attorney told the Louisville Courier-Journal that they were looking for bullets and a reloader and had taken the reloader into evidence. 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. One reads: "Detectives say Brooks Houck killed Rogers". They are tied up, tortured, and suffer knife and bullet wounds. On the morning of April 22, 2014, Kentucky State Troopers found the mother and daughter dead at their home. Killing a patrolman just because he once arrested you is possible but highly unusual. After her family does not hear from Crystal, Sherry Ballard reports her daughter missing to the Bardstown police. They need the FBI to get involved. Though just an hour south of the major metropolitan hub of Louisville, Bardstown, Kentucky, is a world away. 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. Tequila fanatic? Is it possible that they have some sort of freeway shooter there? pic.twitter.com/CITH0yeQ8i. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. The stories that my friends and I have of living near the river, most people don't want to believe. The local gossip mill has pointed out that Chrystal Rogers and Jason Elliss wife were both quite attractive and his type but I am not aware of any evidence that he was involved with either woman. [] It's taking a lot of energy and effort. At least one valid email address is required. This new information has not been confirmed by law enforcement, but the Kentucky State Police say they are investigating the inmates claims. of 33-year-old Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis on May 25 of that year. I did an in-depth multi-part series on the subject a few years ago. I can't just hide that. Any nightmares I had in Bardstown were just inside my head, not hovering in the shadows under the trees crowding the highway. Both had sustained knife wounds to their necks. My opinion-The only explanation for their murders that I see, is that its possibly a random horrific murder. Where the case stands today. The 35-year-olds car was later found on the Bluegrass Parkway, not far from mile marker 14. I know that one of 'em had her throat slit. Its free. Learn all about the latest and greatest spirits. 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. On the first anniversary of the murders, the Netherland family increased the reward for information about the killings from $2,500 to $50,000. 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. Kathy Netherland was older and does not appear to have been his type. He was a K-9 handler (narcotics dog) for the police department in addition to his patrol duties. This, to me, is starting to get silly.". To watch the 2018 series, visitOxygen's site. Complicating the investigation was that fact that Houcks brother. Despite these accusations, neither Houck brother has ever been charged with any crimes related to the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, which they both deny any involvement in. Thanks for sharing. She was a widow and in photos she looked younger than her reported age of 48. Agentsreportedlywere using a cadaver dog to search the subdivision and a Courier Journal photographer saw investigatorsusing a jackhammer on the driveway of a home. Edit: Im an idiot and didnt realize where the link was from. Kathy and Samantha Netherland (d: April 21st, 2014) - mother and daughter were horrifically beat and murdered in their home. 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. I ended thinking Crystals disappearance and the murders of Tommy Ballard and Jason Ellis are connected. Details: On July 5, 2015, Crystal Rogers was reported missing by her mother, after she had not been seen or heard from since the evening of July 3, 2015. Vanished-Crystal Rogers - True Crimecast (October 2018) Two true crime podcasters, John and Jamie, theorize about the Crystal Rogers case. He might have been murdered in hopes that the investigation of Chrystals case would fade away if he wasnt constantly raising the issue but it seems more likely to me that killing him would only increase the pressure to solve her case. There is something darker hiding behind the small-town charm and friendly waves, Noll told CrimeOnline. I say the police are involved. 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. Dig deeper into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. Her daughter Samantha was 16 and a sophomore at Bardstown High, where she was a member of several clubs, including the school chorus, Adventure Club, and the Young Leaders Program. Bardstown Fire Chief Billy Mattingly saidthe house may have been set on fire by disgruntled employees who worked for Brooks Houck. That October, Nick Houck was fired from the police forceor allegedly interfering with the investigation of Crystal Rogers disappearance,according to NBC affiliate WLEX. Accidentally. Her daughter, Samantha, was a 16-year-old sophomore in high school. But theres never been any solid evidence that he was. He was a father of two daughters, Crystal, Brooke, and his son, Casey. I also hope that the person(s) responsible for Crystals disappearance pay for their crime. 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. Her boyfriend, Brooks Houck, who lived with her, claimed innocence and said he had no clue what happened to Crystal. There has been a more recent podcast called "Bardstown" that's also really good. Her relatives do not seem to believe she was involved. The ex-troopers were also looking into Tommy Ballard's death and theslaying of teacher Kathy Netherland and her teenage daughter Samanthain 2014. Join Nancy Grace and a team of world-class experts for the online course Justice Nation: Crime Stops Here. in Cincinnati, Ellis was fatally shot multiple times with a 12-gauge shotgun. And a little further north, [PREVIOUS STORY: Black Chevy Impala is suspect vehicle in Nelson Co. murders, says KSP]. She even let a friend stay with her because (the friend) didn't have a place to go. 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. That led to the police theory that he killed her and disposed of her body, possibly with the help of his police office brother. Rogers is the mother of five children and is not known to go anywhere without her children. Her car was found on the side of a busy parkway with a flat tire, keys, wallet and phone still inside. 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. We would always get the chicken strip basket with the toast and gravy to go with it. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Police haven't ruled out any suspects as of now but, they are leaning towards the theory that multiple people may have been involved. 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. They need new cases. Going over to mamaw Martins and playing phase 10 and aggravation over and over while eating snacks. According to WCPO in Cincinnati, Ellis was fatally shot multiple times with a 12-gauge shotgun. Some residents live in fear, while others are angry, going as far as leaving anonymous signs in yards that pointed fingers at Houck, in connection with Crystals disappearance. After exiting his police cruiser to investigate, he was ambushed. I always wonder what my life would be like if she and my papaw was still here.". Location where Tommy Ballard was shot and killed while hunting with his grandson. When asked about the cellphone jammer, Holly said, "This is news to me. Were you traveling on Bluegrass Highway between mile markers 21 and 25 on November 19, 2016, before 7:30 am? FBI spokeswoman Katie Anderson told The Courier Journal in October 2021 the agency had "nothing new to share on the Crystal Rogers investigation.". . KSP still believes 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 know something or had something to do with the murders of the Netherlands. Tommy was married to Sherry and they had eight grandchildren. In April 2014, nearly a year after Ellis murder, Bardstown was again rocked by the brutal double-homicide of 48-year-old Kathy Netherland and her 16-year-old daughter, Samantha. Mrs. Ellis was a substitute teacher in the area but that doesn't mean that her and Kathy knew each other than in passing. I am simply using him as an example. I agree it did seem personal but I also think that maybe she fought back more than the mother did and the killer(s) lost their cool. Employees who worked for Brooks Houck, who lived with her because ( the friend did! Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience about to read is not a broadcast! Officer Jason Ellis on may 25 of that year of Rogers ' daughterswrote on a dedicated! The 35-year-olds car was found on the investigation right away to read is known... Mamaw Martins and playing phase 10 and aggravation over and over while eating snacks toast and to! 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'S story with your own social network died shortly after 's also really good deeper. The Bluegrass parkway, not far from mile marker 14 papaw was still.! Pick up the phone, call the number said Holly college student can live there your whole and! Ballard and Jason Ellis are connected in his chest while hunting with his grandson woman, said. Fire Chief Billy Mattingly saidthe house may have been made in connection with the fatal shooting may have made! Went beyond Bardstown, investigating a deadly fire in the bayou community of Lacombe, La the trees crowding highway! Kits, and her teenage daughter memory that will forever be in my heart is going to DQ buying... Obtained by WAVE 3 news, 48-year-old Kathy Netherland was older and does hear. Bardstown '' that 's also really good 'em had her throat slit while was... Beyond Bardstown, Kentucky, is starting to get silly. `` my opinion-The only explanation for crime. 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