BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- Brooks Houck was sentenced by a Nelson County judge Wednesday to life in prison for the 2015 murder of his former girlfriend, Crystal Rogers.

Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III largely followed the recommendation of a Warren County jury, which, in July, found Houck guilty of murder (principal or accomplice to the crime) and complicity tampering with physical evidence. The jury had recommended a sentence of life plus five years, but Simms said that is not allowed under state law.

Joseph Lawson, who also stood trial with Houck, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Joseph Lawson's father, Steve, was tried separately and sentenced last month to 17 years in prison .

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