Austin, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Robert Eugene Brashers has been identified posthumously as a suspect in the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas. New DNA evidence connects him to the crime scene where four teenage girls were tragically killed. The identification provides a potentially pivotal development in a case that has distressed the community for over three decades. With hopes for closure, an announcement regarding further investigation developments is expected soon.
Austin, Texas – Robert Eugene Brashers has been identified as a suspect in the infamous 1991 murders of four teenage girls at a yogurt shop in Austin, Texas. Despite passing away in 1999, new DNA evidence has linked him to the brutal crime scene at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” shop, providing pivotal developments in a case that has haunted the community for over three decades.
The gruesome incident occurred on December 6, 1991, resulting in the deaths of 17-year-old Eliza Thomas, 13-year-old Amy Ayers, and sisters 17-year-old Jennifer Harbison and 15-year-old Sarah Harbison. The victims were discovered gagged, bound with their own clothing, shot in the head, and the shop was set ablaze, leaving much of the evidence destroyed. At the time of the murders, Eliza and Jennifer were working the closing shift when Sarah and Amy came to visit.
Brashers, identified as a serial killer and rapist, was responsible for at least three other murders between 1990 and 1998 in South Carolina and Missouri before he died by suicide during a police standoff in January 1999. The identification of Brashers as a suspect was made possible through advanced DNA testing methods that linked him to the yogurt shop crime scene.
Following the murders, several arrests were made as part of a renewed investigation in 1999, which led to four teenagers—Robert Springsteen, Michael Scott, Maurice Pierce, and Forrest Welborn—being initially charged with the murders. All four claimed their confessions were obtained under coercion.
Key to their arrests were confessions from Springsteen and Scott; however, these were contested due to concerns over procedural fairness, as they were unable to confront each other during their trials. Subsequent legal challenges led to their eventual exoneration due to constitutional violations. By 2009, the charges against both Springsteen and Scott were dropped due to the lack of matching DNA evidence, and they were released after spending nearly a decade imprisoned.
Despite the case going cold at times, the Austin Police Department continued to actively pursue justice for the victims. Recent advancements in genetic genealogy technology played a crucial role in identifying Brashers as the suspect after investigators followed new leads in the gathering evidence.
Police confirmed the identification of Brashers in a press release, indicating that this development aims to bring closure to the families of the four victims, who have faced decades of uncertainty and grief regarding the unsolved case. An announcement regarding further developments in the investigation is expected on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Background of the Case
The murders at the yogurt shop not only shocked the Austin community but also raised questions about police procedures regarding the arrests that followed. The series of events that ensued after the discovery of the victims led to several legal battles and a reevaluation of evidence as techniques evolved over the years. The tragic deaths of Eliza, Amy, Jennifer, and Sarah left an indelible mark on the city and the families involved.
Closure for Families
The confirmation of Brashers as a suspect brings renewed hope to the families who have dealt with pain and questions since the crime occurred. As the investigation unfolds, many anticipate the forthcoming announcement in September, which may shed more light on the justice sought for the victims.
FAQs
Who is Robert Eugene Brashers?
Robert Eugene Brashers has been identified as a suspect in the 1991 murders of four teenage girls in Austin, Texas. He was a serial killer and rapist who passed away in 1999.
What happened during the Austin yogurt shop murders?
The murders occurred on December 6, 1991, resulting in the deaths of 17-year-old Eliza Thomas, 13-year-old Amy Ayers, and 17-year-old Jennifer and 15-year-old Sarah Harbison. The victims were found gagged, bound, shot in the head, and the shop was set on fire.
What led to Brashers being identified as a suspect?
Brashers was identified through new DNA evidence that linked him to the crime scene at the yogurt shop.
What were the legal outcomes following the initial arrests?
Four teenagers were initially arrested, but the charges against Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott were dropped in 2009 due to lack of matching DNA evidence, resulting in their exoneration.
What is the significance of the upcoming announcement in September 2025?
An announcement regarding the investigation’s latest developments is scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, which aims to provide more clarity and closure for the victims’ families.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Identified | Robert Eugene Brashers |
| Murders Date | December 6, 1991 |
| Victims | Eliza Thomas, Amy Ayers, Jennifer Harbison, Sarah Harbison |
| Initial Arrests | Four teenagers arrested, subsequently exonerated |
| DNA Evidence | Linking Brashers to the crime scene |
| Next Announcement | September 29, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
New HBO Docuseries Investigates Yogurt Shop Murders in Austin
HBO Docuseries Revisits The Yogurt Shop Murders
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Robert Eugene Brashers
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google Search: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: Robert Eugene Brashers
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- NewsNation
- Google News: Robert Eugene Brashers
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.
