Austin, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Austin police have identified serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers as the suspect in the 1991 murders of four teenage girls at a yogurt shop. This revelation comes after 34 years of the case remaining unsolved, with new DNA testing playing a crucial role in linking Brashers to the horrific crime. The victims were tragically found bound and shot, leading to wrongful arrests in the past. A plaque honoring the girls has been placed at the site of the former yogurt shop, honoring their memory and highlighting the long-lasting impact on the community.
Austin
Austin police have linked the 1991 murders of four teenage girls at an “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” shop to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers, who died by suicide in 1999, almost eight years after the crime. This breakthrough comes after the case remained unsolved for 34 years until new DNA testing led to this identification.
The victims, identified as Jennifer Harbison (17), Sarah Harbison (15), Eliza Thomas (17), and Amy Ayers (13), were tragically found bound, gagged, and shot in the head inside the yogurt shop, which was subsequently set on fire. The initial investigation involved numerous leads and suspects, with significant public interest and grief from the families of the victims.
Brashers was previously linked to at least three murders across the U.S. utilizing genealogy DNA, and his connection to the Austin case was established through advances in genetic genealogy, particularly after DNA from one of the victims was analyzed. Notably, Brashers had no previous known connection to Austin before the crime took place.
Prior investigations into the yogurt shop murders led to the wrongful arrests of four young men, two of whom were convicted, but their sentences were overturned due to legal mistakes. Charges against the remaining two men were dismissed due to lack of evidence. This error in the investigation highlighted the difficulties faced by law enforcement in resolving the case at the time.
In light of these recent developments, the Austin Police Department plans to hold a news conference to announce further details about the investigation and the role of DNA evidence in solving the case. A plaque honoring the four girls has also been placed at the site where the yogurt shop once stood, serving as a memorial to the tragic loss of young lives.
The case has garnered renewed attention from the media and true crime enthusiasts, particularly following the release of a docuseries on HBO Max titled “The Yogurt Shop Murders.” The latest DNA matches are set to close a chapter on one of Austin’s darkest crimes, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Families of the victims have been informed of these new developments by the Austin police, but they have not immediately commented on the news.
FAQ
Who is the suspect identified in the 1991 yogurt shop murders?
Austin police have linked the 1991 murders of four teenage girls at an “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” shop to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers.
What happened to the suspect?
Brashers died by suicide in 1999, almost eight years after the crime.
How long did the case remain unsolved?
The case remained unsolved for 34 years until new DNA testing led to this identification.
Who were the victims of the yogurt shop murders?
The victims were Jennifer Harbison (17), Sarah Harbison (15), Eliza Thomas (17), and Amy Ayers (13).
How did the investigation evolve over the years?
The investigation initially involved numerous leads and suspects, with significant public interest and grief from the families of the victims. Prior investigations had led to the wrongful arrests of four young men, two of whom were convicted but had their sentences overturned due to mistakes in the legal process.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Identified | Robert Eugene Brashers |
| Case Duration | 34 years uncaught |
| Victims | Jennifer Harbison (17), Sarah Harbison (15), Eliza Thomas (17), Amy Ayers (13) |
| Key Evidence | New DNA testing linked suspect to murders |
| Previous Investigations | Wrongful arrests leading to convictions overturned |
| Community Impact | Lasting trauma in Austin, plaque memorial placed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
DNA Evidence Links New Suspect to 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders
New DNA Evidence Links Suspect to 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders
Austin Police Investigate Homicide at Southeast Mobile Home Park
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
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Search: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- FOX News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- CBS News Texas
- Google News: Austin 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.
