(WKYT) – The Kentucky Court of Appeals is set to review a conviction in connection to the death of Crystal Rogers, a Bardstown woman who went missing in 2015.
Stephen Lawson was sentenced to 17 years for conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. His attorneys are asking that his indictment be dismissed, arguing that he was offered immunity.
The prosecution has argued that Lawson gave inconsistent statements that were “material to the Commonwealth’s investigation or prosecution,” court documents say.
Lawson’s attorneys disputed this claim in a reply brief, saying the prosecution was not harmed “in any way” by Lawson’s inconsistent statements, and that all three participants were indicted and found guilty.
His attorneys also said that Lawson testified before a grand jury twice in reliance on an immunity agreement.
“The Commonwealth cannot show Steve invalidated the agreement beyond a reasonable doubt,” court documents say.
Lawson’s attorneys are also challenging evidence in the case, and claiming that the jury was given improper instructions.