Austin, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Authorities have identified Robert Eugene Brashers as a potential suspect in the unsolved 1991 yogurt shop murders of four teenage girls in North Austin. This development follows a long investigation that saw the innocence of the initially accused individuals confirmed. New DNA technology linked Brashers to the crimes, specifically through genetic evidence collected from one of the victims. Families of the victims are hopeful this identification may lead to closure after more than three decades of pain and uncertainty.
Austin, Texas – In a significant breakthrough, authorities have identified Robert Eugene Brashers as a potential suspect in the 1991 murders of four teenage girls at a yogurt shop in North Austin. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in a case that has remained unsolved for over three decades.
The Austin Police Department revealed Brashers’ identification during a press conference held on Monday, which provided updates on the investigation and confirmed the innocence of the four young men previously accused of the crime.
At the time of the murders, the accused were Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Forrest Welborn, and Maurice Pierce, aged between 15 and 17. The tragic victims were 17-year-old Jennifer Harbison, 15-year-old Sarah Harbison, 17-year-old Eliza Thomas, and 13-year-old Amy Ayers.
Scott and Springsteen were initially convicted based on confessions, while Pierce and Welborn were acquitted. Over the years, despite numerous tips and false confessions, no physical evidence effectively linked the original suspects to the crime.
After years of stalled investigation, new DNA technology emerged as a game changer. Detective Daniel Jackson announced findings that linked Brashers to the murders through genetic evidence found under Amy Ayers’ fingernails. In particular, DNA testing methods such as Y-STR, which focuses on male-specific DNA profiles, were critical in the identification process.
The case took a significant turn as ballistic data from the yogurt shop matched a separate unsolved case in Kentucky. This connection, alongside Brashers’ history of violent crimes—including murders and sexual assaults across multiple states—intensified the scrutiny on him as a suspect.
After Scott and Springsteen’s convictions were vacated in 2009 due to DNA evidence shedding light on their innocence, the case appeared to be at a standstill until this recent development. Brashers died by suicide in 1999 following a standoff with police. At that time, he was arrested with a firearm similar to the one used in the yogurt shop murders.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities currently examining Brashers’ movements to determine if he is connected to additional unsolved crimes. Travis County District Attorney José Garza stressed the importance of the overwhelming evidence now pointing to Brashers and the confirmed innocence of the four original suspects.
Families of the victims expressed gratitude for the resolution, while also conveying the enduring pain stemming from the lengthy wait for justice.
Background Context
The horrific incident at the yogurt shop involved the binding and shooting of the four teenage girls, who were later found in a compromised state as a fire was set in an attempt to destroy evidence. The complexity of this case lies not only in the nature of the crime but also in the judicial consequences that followed. Both Scott and Springsteen later recanted their confessions, claiming they were coerced during extended interrogations. The case of the yogurt shop murders has often been cited as an example of the failures of the justice system, with innocent lives affected and families left in distress for decades.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Incident | 1991 |
| Victims | Jennifer Harbison, Sarah Harbison, Eliza Thomas, Amy Ayers |
| Initially Accused Individuals | Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Forrest Welborn, Maurice Pierce |
| New Suspect Identified | Robert Eugene Brashers |
| Discovery Method | DNA analysis, ballistic evidence |
| Date of Major Update Announcement | Monday (date not provided in the text) |
FAQ
Who were the initial suspects in the yogurt shop murders?
The initial suspects were Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Forrest Welborn, and Maurice Pierce, who were aged 15 to 17 at the time of the incident.
What new evidence linked Robert Eugene Brashers to the murders?
New DNA testing techniques identified genetic evidence found under the fingernails of Amy Ayers as being linked to Brashers.
What happened to the original convictions of Scott and Springsteen?
The charges against Michael Scott and Robert Springsteen were dismissed in 2009 after DNA evidence excluded them, revealing their innocence.
What was the nature of the crime at the yogurt shop?
The four teenage girls were allegedly bound, shot in the head, and found naked at the yogurt shop, where a fire was set to destroy evidence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Breakthrough in 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders Case
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Additional Resources
- KXAN Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- Fox News
- Google Search: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- Austin Statesman
- Google Scholar: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- KVUE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
- NBC News
- 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.
