Austin, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Austin Police have linked Robert Eugene Brashers to the 1991 murders of four teenage girls at the yogurt shop. This identification comes after recent DNA evidence and forensic advancements. The tragic event has haunted the Austin community for over three decades, and Brashers, with a history of violent crimes, was confirmed as the suspect through a statement from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson’s office. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to solve cold cases and bring justice to the victims’ families.
Austin
Austin Police have linked a suspect to the 1991 deaths of four teenage girls at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” shop in north Austin. The suspect has been identified as Robert Eugene Brashers, a man with a history of violent crimes. This confirmation was made public through a statement shared by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson’s office.
The tragic murders took place on December 6, 1991, shortly before closing time when the girls were attacked inside the yogurt shop. The victims—13-year-old Amy Ayers, 15-year-old Sarah Harbison, and 17-year-olds Eliza Thomas and Jennifer Harbison—were bound, gagged, and shot in the head. Their bodies were discovered inside the shop after it had been set on fire.
Brashers is also connected to several other violent crimes across the southeastern United States and is known to have committed suicide in 1999 during a standoff with police in Kennett, Missouri. Recent forensic advancements, particularly DNA and ballistic evidence, led investigators to identify him as a suspect in the Yogurt Shop Murders.
This identification comes after a lengthy legal saga surrounding the case, where previous convictions involved Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott, who were initially convicted but later exonerated after new DNA evidence pointed to Brashers as the actual perpetrator. Utilizing genetic genealogy technology, authorities matched Brashers’s DNA profile from a stored sample. To confirm the findings, investigators conducted an exhumation of Brashers’s remains.
Throughout his criminal history, Brashers faced convictions for offenses including attempted murder and burglary, and he had been implicated in multiple other murders and assaults, including the 1998 killings of Sherri Scherer and her daughter, Megan. In an effort to solve cold cases including the Yogurt Shop Murders, Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore created a special team in 2017.
A memorial honoring the victims currently stands at the former location of the yogurt shop, which is now a nail salon. Deborah Brashers-Claunch, Brashers’s daughter, expressed sorrow for the families affected by her father’s actions, emphasizing a strong desire for justice for the victims.
The identification of Brashers as a suspect in this case finally brings renewed attention to a tragic event that has haunted the Austin community for over three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was identified as the suspect in the 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders?
The suspect identified in the 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders is Robert Eugene Brashers.
What happened on December 6, 1991, at the yogurt shop?
On December 6, 1991, four teenage girls were attacked shortly before closing time at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” shop in north Austin.
Who were the victims of the yogurt shop murders?
The victims were 13-year-old Amy Ayers, 15-year-old Sarah Harbison, and 17-year-olds Eliza Thomas and Jennifer Harbison.
What were the circumstances of the girls’ deaths?
The girls were bound, gagged, shot in the head, and found inside the shop after it was set on fire.
What led to the identification of Brashers?
Recent DNA and ballistic evidence led to identifying Brashers as a suspect in the Yogurt Shop Murders.
How have previous convictions in the case changed?
Previous convictions involved Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott, who were initially convicted but exonerated after DNA evidence pointed to Brashers.
What efforts were made to solve the cold case?
A special team was created by Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore in 2017 to work on cold cases like the Yogurt Shop Murders.
Is there a memorial for the victims?
A memorial honoring the victims stands outside where the yogurt shop used to be, currently a nail salon.
Key Features of the Yogurt Shop Murders Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 6, 1991 |
| Location | I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt! shop, north Austin |
| Victims | Amy Ayers, Sarah Harbison, Eliza Thomas, Jennifer Harbison |
| Suspect | Robert Eugene Brashers |
| Identification Method | DNA and ballistic evidence |
| Cold Case Team Formation | 2017 by Margaret Moore |
| Memorial Location | Former yogurt shop site |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
1991 Yogurt Shop Murders Case Solved in Austin
Breakthrough in 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders Case
Yogurt Shop Murders in Austin Finally Solved
DNA Evidence Links Suspect to 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders
Austin Police Link 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders to Serial Killer
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
Additional Resources
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- KVUE
- Google Search: Robert Eugene Brashers Yogurt Shop Murders
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Robert Eugene Brashers Yogurt Shop Murders
- Associated Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yogurt Shop Murders
- The Guardian
- 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.
