September 30, 2025

Prime Suspect Identified in Yogurt Shop Murders

Austin, Texas, September 30, 2025

News Summary

After decades of investigation, Robert Eugene Brashers, a deceased serial killer, has been identified as the prime suspect in the 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders in Austin, Texas. The case involves the tragic deaths of four teenage girls found bound and shot in a yogurt shop. Recent advancements in DNA technology linked Brashers to the crime, leading authorities to reexamine evidence that had gone cold for years. The investigation remains active as officials seek to provide closure for the families affected by this tragic event.

Austin, Texas

The Austin Police Department has identified Robert Eugene Brashers, a deceased serial killer, as the prime suspect in the infamous 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders. This conclusion comes after decades of investigation, advancing technology, and the reexamination of evidence. Brashers died by suicide in 1999 to avoid an unrelated arrest.

The horrific murders took place at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” shop shortly before midnight on December 6, 1991, where the bodies of four teenage girls were discovered. The victims included 17-year-olds Jennifer and Eliza Thomas, 15-year-old Sarah Harbison, and 13-year-old Amy Ayers. They were found bound, gagged, and shot, with evidence of sexual assault discovered at the scene. All four girls had been shot in the head with a .22 caliber pistol, and Ayers had also been shot with a .380 pistol.

In the months following the murders, law enforcement received thousands of tips and confessions, most of which were unproductive. Early leads included a confession from 16-year-old Maurice Pierce, who initially claimed that his friend Forrest Welborn killed the girls before later recanting. Investigators revisited the case in 1999, prompting new interrogations of Pierce and three others: Springsteen, Scott, and Welborn.

The interrogations resulted in Springsteen and Scott providing confessions, which implicated each other, leading to their convictions. However, significant legal shifts occurred after a 2004 U.S. Supreme Court ruling altered the admissibility of hearsay evidence, leading to the reversal of their convictions. Following advancements in DNA technology that excluded all four original suspects, charges against Scott and Springsteen were dropped in 2009.

Recent DNA testing linked Brashers to the crime through a .380 cartridge found at the yogurt shop. Detective Daniel Jackson, who took over the cold case in 2022, employed DNA and genealogy techniques that confirmed Brashers as the suspect. The Austin Police Department believes that Brashers acted alone in the murders.

District Attorney José Garza acknowledged the wrongful convictions of the previously accused men and expressed his office’s commitment to supporting their reintegration into society if Brashers’ guilt is substantiated. Meanwhile, investigations remain active, with final DNA results anticipated in the coming weeks or months.

City officials in Austin hope that this breakthrough will provide closure for the families affected by this tragic case, emphasizing the emotional impact the murders have had on the community. As the investigation progresses, authorities are also seeking any additional information regarding Robert Eugene Brashers.

FAQs

Who was identified as the prime suspect in the Yogurt Shop Murders?

Robert Eugene Brashers, a deceased serial killer, has been identified as the prime suspect in the case.

What happened during the Yogurt Shop Murders?

The murders occurred at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” shop shortly before midnight on December 6, 1991. The victims were four girls who were found nude, shot, bound, and gagged after a fire was extinguished by firefighters.

What advancements led to the identification of Robert Eugene Brashers?

Significant advancements in DNA technology linked Brashers to the crime through a .380 cartridge found at the scene, and Detective Daniel Jackson utilized DNA and genealogy techniques to identify him as the suspect.

What is the current status of the investigation?

The investigation remains ongoing, and final DNA results are expected in the coming weeks or months.

What has been said about the wrongful convictions related to this case?

District Attorney José Garza acknowledged the office’s role in prosecuting the wrongfully convicted men and promised to facilitate their transition back to regular life if the investigation confirms Brashers’ guilt.

Chart of Key Features Related to the Yogurt Shop Murders

Feature	Details
Incident	Yogurt Shop Murders
Date	December 6, 1991
Location	I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt! shop, Austin, Texas
Victims	Jennifer Thomas, Eliza Thomas, Sarah Harbison, Amy Ayers
Prime Suspect	Robert Eugene Brashers
Method of Crime	Shooting, sexual assault
Key Evidence	.380 cartridge, DNA testing
Current Investigation Status	Ongoing, final DNA results expected in weeks/months

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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.

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