Lexington, Kentucky, January 14, 2026
Authorities have connected the 1998 unsolved murder of Linda Rutledge in Lexington, Kentucky, to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers, who was also responsible for the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas. Rutledge’s case remained cold for over two decades until recent forensic advancements led to the match of ballistics and DNA evidence, linking Brashers posthumously to her crime. Brashers, who died in 1999, is believed to have committed at least eight murders across multiple states.
Lexington, Kentucky
Authorities have linked a 1998 cold case murder in Lexington, Kentucky, to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers, who was previously identified as the perpetrator of the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders.
On November 7, 1998, Lexington police responded to a fire at a hearing aid business on Malibu Drive. Upon extinguishing the fire, they discovered the body of 43-year-old Linda Rutledge, who had been shot multiple times in the head. Despite extensive investigations, the case remained unsolved for over two decades.
In September 2025, investigators identified Brashers as the man responsible for the 1991 murders of four teenage girls at the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt Shop in Austin, Texas. The building was set on fire following the killings. Brashers died in 1999 and was never convicted for these murders during his lifetime.
In July 2025, Kentucky investigators received a tip from Austin police, prompting a review of evidence in Rutledge’s case. Ballistics analysis revealed that spent shell casings from both the Austin and Lexington crime scenes matched, indicating the same firearm was used. Additionally, DNA evidence from both cases was consistent, further linking Brashers to Rutledge’s murder.
Brashers is believed to have committed at least eight murders across multiple states, including Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Texas. These cases remained unsolved until recent advancements in forensic technology and investigative techniques led to his identification as the perpetrator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the connection between the 1998 Lexington murder and the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders?
Authorities have linked a 1998 cold case murder in Lexington, Kentucky, to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers, who was previously identified as the perpetrator of the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders.
Who was Robert Eugene Brashers?
Robert Eugene Brashers was an American serial killer and rapist who committed at least eight murders from 1990 to 1998 across multiple states, including Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Texas. He died in 1999 and was never convicted for these murders during his lifetime.
How were Brashers’ crimes linked to the 1998 Lexington murder?
In July 2025, Kentucky investigators received a tip from Austin police, prompting a review of evidence in Rutledge’s case. Ballistics analysis revealed that spent shell casings from both the Austin and Lexington crime scenes matched, indicating the same firearm was used. Additionally, DNA evidence from both cases was consistent, further linking Brashers to Rutledge’s murder.
What is known about the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders?
In September 2025, investigators identified Brashers as the man responsible for the 1991 murders of four teenage girls at the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt Shop in Austin, Texas. The building was set on fire following the killings. Brashers died in 1999 and was never convicted for these murders during his lifetime.
How many murders is Brashers believed to have committed?
Brashers is believed to have committed at least eight murders across multiple states, including Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Texas. These cases remained unsolved until recent advancements in forensic technology and investigative techniques led to his identification as the perpetrator.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Linda Rutledge, 43-year-old woman from Lexington, Kentucky |
| Crime Scene | Hearing aid business on Malibu Drive, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Crime Date | November 7, 1998 |
| Perpetrator | Robert Eugene Brashers, identified posthumously in 2025 |
| Connection to Other Crimes | Linked to 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders through forensic evidence |
| Forensic Evidence | Ballistics and DNA analysis matched evidence from both crime scenes |
| Investigation Timeline | Case remained unsolved for over two decades; breakthrough in 2025 |
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