Tommy Ballard Killed in Bardstown Kentucky

The small town of Bardstown, Kentucky, has long been haunted by a series of high-profile crimes, one of the most shocking being the murder of Tommy Ballard on November 19, 2016. Ballard, a devoted father and relentless seeker of justice, was gunned down while hunting on his family’s property—just 16 months after his daughter, Crystal Rogers, mysteriously vanished. To this day, his murder remains unsolved, though recent developments have shed new light on a possible connection between his death and his daughter’s disappearance.

This article delves deep into the life of Tommy Ballard, the tragic events surrounding his murder, the investigation, and the latest findings that suggest a conspiracy bigger than anyone initially imagined.

The Life and Legacy of Tommy Ballard

Tommy Ballard was more than just a concerned father—he was a relentless advocate for truth and justice. Born and raised in Bardstown, Kentucky, Tommy was a hardworking family man who deeply loved his wife, Sherry Ballard, and their children. When their daughter Crystal Rogers disappeared on July 3, 2015, Tommy took it upon himself to lead a massive search effort.

He formed “Team Crystal,” a community-driven group dedicated to finding Crystal and seeking justice. He spent hours investigating leads, talking to people, and searching the dense woods and fields of Nelson County, hoping for any sign of his missing daughter. For over a year, he refused to give up, determined to bring Crystal home—no matter what it took.

However, what no one expected was that Tommy Ballard himself would become a victim of a violent crime before he could find the answers he was so desperately seeking.

The Morning of November 19, 2016: A Fatal Shot

On the morning of November 19, 2016, Tommy Ballard set out for a hunting trip on his family’s property, located near Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown. Accompanying him was his 12-year-old grandson. Hunting was a tradition in the Ballard family, a peaceful escape that allowed them to bond amidst nature.

However, that morning would end in tragedy.

At approximately 7:00 AM, before he had even fired a single shot, a bullet struck Tommy Ballard in the chest, killing him instantly. His grandson, though uninjured, was a witness to the horrifying event. The young boy immediately ran for help, but by the time authorities arrived, it was too late—Tommy Ballard was dead.

From the start, suspicion surrounded the case. Investigators ruled out the possibility of an accidental hunting accident, determining that the shot was deliberate. However, the shooter remained unknown, and no one came forward with any solid leads.

An Unsolved Murder: Lack of Witnesses and Key Evidence

Despite extensive investigations, the murder of Tommy Ballard remains unsolved. Several factors have complicated the case:

• No Known Witnesses: The only person with Tommy that morning was his 12-year-old grandson, who was unable to identify the shooter.
• Distant Shot: The fatal shot was fired from a distance, leading some to speculate that it was a sniper-style killing.
• No Suspects Charged: While theories abound, law enforcement has never arrested anyone for the crime.

Authorities, including the FBI, the Kentucky State Police, and the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, have investigated countless leads, but no conclusive evidence has emerged to pinpoint who killed Tommy Ballard—or why.

Possible Links to the Disappearance of Crystal Rogers

One of the most pressing theories in Tommy Ballard’s murder case is that his death was connected to the disappearance of his daughter, Crystal Rogers.

Who Was Crystal Rogers?

Crystal Rogers was a 35-year-old mother of five who vanished on July 3, 2015. She was last seen at her boyfriend Brooks Houck’s family farm. The following day, her car was found abandoned on the side of Bluegrass Parkway, with her phone, purse, and keys still inside.

Suspicion quickly turned toward Brooks Houck, but he was never arrested—even after his brother, Nick Houck, a former Bardstown Police Officer, was accused of interfering in the investigation.

For over a year, Tommy Ballard searched tirelessly for his daughter, publicly challenging those who might have been involved. Some believe this made him a target.

Recent Developments: A Gun, a Suspect, and an Ongoing Investigation

For years, investigators had little to work with in Tommy Ballard’s case. However, in 2023, new evidence surfaced that might finally bring some answers.

During a court hearing for Brooks Houck, who was charged with Crystal Rogers’ murder, prosecutors revealed that they may have the gun used to kill Tommy Ballard. Investigators had obtained a firearm from Nick Houck, Brooks’ brother, who allegedly used a fake name to sell the weapon.

Key Revelations from the Hearing:

• Nick Houck allegedly sold a gun that matched the caliber of the weapon used in Ballard’s murder.
• Authorities are currently testing the gun to determine if it is the murder weapon.
• Prosecutors believe Tommy Ballard’s death was linked to his search for Crystal.

These revelations are significant because they mark the first time law enforcement has publicly connected both cases. If the tests confirm the weapon’s involvement, Nick Houck could face charges in Ballard’s murder.

FBI Involvement and the $10,000 Reward

In an effort to bring justice to the Ballard family, the FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Tommy Ballard’s killer. They have urged anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.

The agency has been involved in both the Crystal Rogers and Tommy Ballard investigations, conducting multiple searches and gathering evidence.

Still, despite the new lead, the case remains open, with no arrests made yet.

A Family Still Seeking Justice

For Sherry Ballard and her family, the pain of losing both Tommy and Crystal is immeasurable. Despite eight years of heartbreak, they refuse to give up.

Sherry has long suspected that the Houck family was involved in both cases. After the 2023 court hearing, she expressed hope that justice would finally be served.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” Sherry said. “I just hope we get the answers we deserve.”

The Ballard family continues to push for answers, attending every court hearing and working closely with investigators to ensure neither Tommy nor Crystal is forgotten.

Will Justice Ever Be Served?

The murder of Tommy Ballard remains one of Kentucky’s most haunting cold cases. While new evidence may soon lead to answers, many questions remain:

• Was Tommy Ballard silenced for searching for Crystal?
• Did someone connected to Crystal’s disappearance orchestrate his murder?
• Will the newly discovered firearm provide the missing link needed to make an arrest?

As of today, the mystery endures. However, the fight for justice continues, and the people of Bardstown, along with Crystal and Tommy’s loved ones, remain hopeful that one day, the truth will finally come to light.