Austin, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Police Department has identified Robert Eugene Brashers as a suspect in the notorious 1991 Yogurt Shop murders of four teenage girls. The case, which has haunted the community for over three decades, has seen new developments through DNA evidence linking Brashers to the crime. Despite his death in 1999, advancements in investigative techniques have renewed hopes for justice for the victims’ families. Ongoing investigations continue to seek closure in this tragic event.
Austin, Texas – A significant breakthrough in the long-unsolved 1991 Yogurt Shop murders has emerged as the Austin Police Department has identified Robert Eugene Brashers as a suspect linked to the case. DNA evidence has implicated Brashers in the murders of four teenage girls who were killed at an “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” franchise on December 6, 1991. This case, notorious for its brutality, has haunted the community for over three decades.
On September 26, 2025, tributes were laid in memory of the victims: 13-year-old Amy Ayers, 17-year-olds Jennifer Harbison and Eliza Thomas, and 15-year-old Sarah Harbison. The girls were found bound and gagged, having been shot in the head, with the yogurt shop subsequently set on fire.
Robert Eugene Brashers died by suicide in 1999 during a standoff with law enforcement, prior to the development of DNA testing techniques that could have potentially linked him to this case sooner. The investigation into the Yogurt Shop murders has faced numerous challenges, including false confessions and compromised evidence from the crime scene.
Since the initial wave of arrests in 1999 – which included four men, two of whom were teenagers – the case has undergone several legal twists. The initial confessions made during arrests were retracted as the suspects claimed they were coerced by police. Robert Springsteen received a death sentence that was later adjusted to life in prison, while Michael Scott was also convicted. However, due to advances in DNA testing that revealed the presence of another male suspect, their convictions were overturned, and both men were exonerated in 2009.
The case attracted renewed attention following the release of the HBO documentary series “The Yogurt Shop Murders.” In recent years, investigators have utilized Y-STR testing, which helped identify male DNA linked to the crime. In 2018, Brashers’ DNA was connected to a strangulation case in South Carolina, as well as other violent crimes in Missouri and Tennessee.
The Austin Police Department has vowed that the investigation remains open and ongoing, pointing to their commitment to finding justice for the victims and resolution for their families. The identification of Robert Eugene Brashers undoubtedly adds new layers to the complex history of this prolonged investigation, yet many questions still remain unanswered as authorities continue to pursue leads and analyze existing evidence.
With each passing year, the memory of the four young girls serves as a poignant reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in the investigation of cold cases. As technological advancements unfold and underground connections are examined, the hope for closure lingers not only for the families affected but also for the community that was profoundly impacted by this tragic event.
FAQ
Who were the victims in the 1991 Yogurt Shop murders?
The victims were 13-year-old Amy Ayers, 17-year-olds Jennifer Harbison and Eliza Thomas, and 15-year-old Sarah Harbison.
What breakthrough has occurred in the investigation of the Yogurt Shop murders?
The Austin Police Department named Robert Eugene Brashers as a suspect in the 1991 murders, based on newly analyzed DNA evidence linking him to the case.
What happened to Robert Eugene Brashers?
Robert Eugene Brashers died by suicide in 1999 during a standoff with law enforcement.
What were the circumstances of the girls’ deaths?
The girls were found bound, gagged, shot in the head, and the yogurt shop was set on fire.
Have there been previous arrests in this case?
Yes, four men were initially arrested in 1999, but their convictions were later overturned due to new DNA tests revealing another male suspect.
What impact has the case had on the community?
The murders have become one of Austin’s most notorious crimes, remaining a significant part of the city’s history.
Key Features of the Yogurt Shop Murders Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 6, 1991 |
| Victim Ages | 13 to 17 years old |
| Suspect Name | Robert Eugene Brashers |
| Current Status of Case | Ongoing investigation |
| Previous Arrests | Four men initially arrested in 1999 |
| Advances in DNA Testing | Y-STR testing revealed male DNA |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
HBO Series Investigates Unsolved Austin Yogurt Shop Murders
Austin Police Investigate Homicide and Hate Crimes
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Yogurt Shop Murders
- New York Times
- Google Search: Yogurt Shop Murders
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Yogurt Shop Murders
- KXAN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yogurt Shop Murders
- CBS News
- 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.
