Dateline: True Crime Weekly – July 10, 2025

Host: Andrea Canning, Guest: Josh Mankiewicz and Rachel White

1. Verdict in Kentucky's "Trial of the Decade"

Background: Kentucky's high-profile murder trial centered on the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, the mother of five. Crystal vanished a decade ago in July 2015, just before the 4th of July celebrations. Her abandoned car was discovered on the Bluegrass Parkway with her keys, phone, and purse inside; however, her body has never been found. Eight years later, Crystal's ex-boyfriend, Brooks Hauck, was arrested for her murder, alongside Joseph Lawson, one of Hauck's employees, who is accused of aiding in the cover-up by disposing of Crystal's car.

Trial Proceedings: Both Brooks Hauck and Joseph Lawson pleaded not guilty. The defense hinged on the absence of a body, challenging the prosecution's ability to prove that a crime had indeed occurred. Over the past three weeks, intense courtroom drama unfolded as both defendants stood trial together.

Courtroom Atmosphere: Rachel White, Dateline producer, reported from the Bowling Green courthouse:

“[03:37] Rachel White: Yeah, the courtroom was completely full. By the time we got to closing arguments, people were being turned away.”

A notable moment occurred when Brooks's mother, Rosemary, made an unexpected appearance in court, despite being labeled an unindicted co-conspirator by the prosecution.

Closing Arguments:

• Joseph Lawson’s Defense:

  “[04:19] Rachel White: ...he was only brought into it because he's the only possible link between Brooks Hauck and Steve Lawson. ...both Steve Lawson and Joseph Lawson were known to have substance abuse issues.”

• Brooks Hauck’s Defense:

  “[05:07] Rachel White: ...police were giving marching orders to get Brooks Hauck years ago. ...no forensic evidence, no DNA evidence that pointed to Brooks killing Crystal at all.”

The prosecution, led by Shane Young, focused on Brooks's suspicious behavior post-disappearance:

“[07:23] Rachel White: ...he only called her twice and did not try to find her... if Crystal did not come home from the Hauck family farm that night in July 2015, then Brooks Hauck was guilty of her murder.”

Verdict and Sentencing: After approximately four hours of jury deliberation, both defendants were found guilty:

“[07:57] Rachel White: Guilty. ...the jury recommended the maximum sentence, life in prison for Brooks Hauck, and 20 years for Joseph Lawson, with lesser sentences for tampering with physical evidence.”

The sentencing will be formally held on August 21, 2025.

2. Karina Cooper’s Trial and Snapchat Evidence

Case Overview: Karina Cooper stands accused of murdering her husband, Ryan Cooper, in their Iowa farmhouse in June 2021. The crime scene revealed Ryan shot execution-style, with only a shell casing found at the scene. Initially, Karina claimed an intruder was responsible, but emerging evidence suggests a potential affair with Houston Danker, whose Snapchat messages with her have become pivotal in the prosecution's case.

Prosecution's Evidence: Digital forensic investigator testimony highlighted incriminating Snapchat messages between Karina and Houston:

“[14:41] Houston Danker: ...there were a number of Google searches in which Karina is asking, will my messages truly be deleted?”

Key Messages:

• Houston Danker at [15:49]: "Remember those casings? Remember those?"
• Karina Cooper at [16:04]: "Absolutely 100%."

These messages imply premeditation and involvement in the crime, supported by the physical evidence linking Danker to the weapon used.

Defense’s Argument: Karina’s defense contends that any financial gain from a potential life insurance policy would go to her children via a trust, negating her motive. They also argue that Karina was unhappy and may have been influenced by Houston Danker, although both deny an affair.

Trial Developments: Houston Danker, also charged with Ryan’s murder, faces his own trial set for mid-August. The prosecution alleges Danker pulled the trigger, supported by ballistic evidence linking him to the shell casing found at the scene.

Prosecutor’s Summary:

“[07:09] Josh Mankiewicz: ...if Crystal did not come home from the Hauck family farm that night in July 2015. Then Brooks Hauck was guilty of her murder.”

Key Testimonies:

• Friends of the Couple: Described Karina as having a bad temper, especially under the influence of alcohol.
• Detective William Noel: Expressed long-term dedication to the case and the emotional toll on Crystal’s family.

Current Status: Karina Cooper has pleaded not guilty. The trial highlights the challenges of prosecuting a case without a body, relying heavily on digital communications and circumstantial evidence.

3. DATELINE Roundup

a. Colorado Dentist Murder Trial: James Craig, accused of poisoning his wife Angela's protein shakes, faces a tumultuous pre-trial phase. His attorney, Robert Working, was arrested for arson while his home burned, leading to further delays and challenges in securing qualified legal representation as previous attorneys have withdrawn multiple times.

b. Former MLB Player Dan Serafini’s Verdict: Dan Serafini, a former major league baseball pitcher, was on trial for the violent attack on his in-laws in Lake Tahoe, resulting in the death of his father-in-law and severe injury to his mother-in-law. The prosecution presented damning evidence, including security footage and threat-laden communications, while the defense contested eyewitness identifications and alleged misconduct from alleged accomplices.

c. Sean "Diddy" Combs’ Sentencing: Following a split verdict in his federal trial, Sean Combs faces sentencing on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. A joint sentencing date has been set for October 3rd, 2025, where prosecutors seek a range of four to five years, while the defense argues for a lighter sentence of approximately two years based on mitigating factors.

4. Missing in America: The Case of Nancy Snow

Overview: Nancy Snow, a 44-year-old campaign worker, disappeared in November 1980 amid a significant election year. Her last confirmed sighting was at a hotel in Baltimore on election night, after which she was allegedly picked up by a former acquaintance, Paul Collins, to embark on a boat trip to Fort Lauderdale. Despite promising to return by Christmas, Nancy never resurfaced.

Investigation Insights: Josh Mankiewicz delves into this cold case with producer Keith Greenberg, uncovering potential connections and personal ties that may shed light on Nancy’s disappearance. They explore:

• Potential Motives and Relationships:

  “[12:36] Houston Danker: ...they seem like a dream match...”

• Digital and Forensic Evidence: Newly recovered Snapchat messages suggest premeditation and coordination between Karina Cooper and Houston Danker, paralleling the detailed investigation into Nancy Snow’s analog-era case with limited technological resources.

Call to Action: Keith Greenberg urges listeners with any information to come forward:

“[30:47] Keith Greenberg: ...if you know anything about this, this is the time to talk about it because, you know, it's been 45 years and her family needs answers in this.”

Personal Connection: Josh reveals a personal stake in the case, suspecting a possible encounter with Nancy during his early reporting days in Washington, D.C.:

“[27:55] Keith Greenberg: ...she had been at a bar...”

5. Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts

Andrea Canning wraps up the episode by highlighting upcoming content:

• In-depth coverage of Sean Combs' sentencing.
• Further exploration of Nancy Snow’s disappearance in the "Missing in America" series.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Dateline Premium for an ad-free experience and to stay tuned for future episodes that promise more gripping true crime stories and exclusive insights from seasoned reporters and legal experts.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel White on Verdict:

  “[07:57] Rachel White: Guilty. ...the jury recommended the maximum sentence, life in prison for Brooks Hauck, and 20 years for Joseph Lawson, with lesser sentences for tampering with physical evidence.”

• Houston Danker on Snapchat Messages:

  “[15:56] Josh Mankiewicz: Remember those casings? Remember those?
  [16:04] Rachel White: Absolutely 100%.
  [16:07] Houston Danker: Danker sends this message to remember to pick up the shell casings.”

• Keith Greenberg on Nancy Snow:

  “[30:47] Keith Greenberg: ...if you know anything about this, this is the time to talk about it because, you know, it's been 45 years and her family needs answers in this.”

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