Austin, Texas, September 27, 2025
News Summary
DNA evidence has identified Robert Eugene Brashers as a suspect in the notorious 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas, bringing renewed hope to the families of the four victims. Brashers was previously linked to multiple crimes before his death in 1999. The case, which has haunted the Austin community for over three decades, saw various developments including arrests that were later overturned, and evidence suggesting new suspects may be involved. The Austin Police Department plans to hold a press conference to discuss the latest findings.
Austin, Texas
DNA evidence has identified Robert Eugene Brashers as a new suspect in the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas. This significant development comes as authorities have been revisiting the case, which has remained one of the city’s most talked-about unsolved crimes for over three decades.
Brashers, who died by suicide in 1999 during a standoff with police, has now been linked through genetic genealogy technology to the unsolved murders of four teenage girls: Amy Ayers (13), Eliza Thomas (17), and sisters Jennifer (17) and Sarah Harbison (15). The girls were tragically found bound, gagged, and shot in the head inside the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” store, where two of them worked.
After the heinous crime, the yogurt shop was set ablaze, which severely compromised potential forensic evidence. The case attracted significant media attention and community outrage, leading to a long-standing investigation that faced numerous challenges over the years.
The initial investigation saw the arrest of four men in 1999, including Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott. However, these individuals later recanted their confessions, alleging that they had been coerced by law enforcement. Springsteen faced the death penalty, which later was commuted to a life sentence, but his conviction eventually was overturned.
In 2009, the case experienced a breakthrough with new DNA testing that excluded the four men originally charged, indicating that another male suspect might be responsible for the crime. By 2018, authorities had linked Brashers to multiple murders and a rape committed in other states, including a South Carolina murder in 1990 and a Missouri shooting in 1998.
The DNA findings that implicated Brashers were a pivotal moment in the investigation, aligning him with evidence collected from other crime scenes via genetic genealogy technology. The Austin Police Department is preparing to hold a news conference to share further details of their findings as part of renewed interest in the cold case.
Since 2017, a cold case task force, initiated by the District Attorney and the Austin police, has actively pursued leads in the yogurt shop murders, reigniting hope for the victims’ families. This renewed investigation coincided with heightened public interest stemming from an HBO documentary series titled “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” which debuted recently and has brought the case back into the national spotlight.
The tragic deaths of the four girls have left an indelible mark on the Austin community, interweaving their memory into the city’s ongoing narrative. To honor them, a plaque dedicated to the girls stands at the site of the now-closed yogurt shop, serving as a reminder of the lasting impact this case has had not just on the families involved but the entire community.
FAQ
Who is the new suspect identified in the 1991 yogurt shop murders?
Robert Eugene Brashers has been identified as a new suspect in the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas.
What happened to the victims in the yogurt shop murders?
The victims, Amy Ayers (13), Eliza Thomas (17), and sisters Jennifer (17) and Sarah Harbison (15) were bound, gagged, and shot in the head at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” store.
What led to the renewed investigation into the case?
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Key Features of the 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Suspect | Robert Eugene Brashers |
| Victims | Amy Ayers (13), Eliza Thomas (17), Jennifer Harbison (17), Sarah Harbison (15) |
| Crime Location | I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt store, Austin, Texas |
| Key Developments | DNA evidence links Brashers; 1999 arrests; HBO documentary release |
| Current Status | Ongoing investigation; upcoming news conference by police |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Investigation Launched After Body Found at North Austin Bus Stop
Austin Reexamines the 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders
HBO Series Investigates Unsolved Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
Austin Police Investigate Homicide and Hate Crimes
Austin Faces Surge in Violent Crime as Homicides Rise
Nostalgic Memories Resurface as Northcross Mall Is Remembered
New Documentary Explores Infamous Yogurt Shop Murders
New HBO Docuseries Investigates Yogurt Shop Murders in Austin
Additional Resources
- Statesman
- Wikipedia: Yogurt Shop Murders
- KVUE
- Google Search: Yogurt Shop Murders
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Yogurt Shop Murders
- CBS News Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yogurt Shop Murders
- Fox News
- Google News: Yogurt Shop Murders
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
