Austin, Texas, September 28, 2025
News Summary
After over three decades, the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas have been officially solved. Police have identified Robert Eugene Brashers as the perpetrator behind the brutal killings of four teenage girls. Extensive DNA testing conducted by the Austin Police Department confirmed his involvement. Brashers, who died in 1999, was already linked to several other violent crimes. The case remains open as authorities continue to seek justice for the victims’ families.
Austin, Texas – The infamous 1991 yogurt shop murders that claimed the lives of four teenage girls in Austin have officially been solved after more than three decades of investigation. Police have identified Robert Eugene Brashers as the suspect in this heinous crime, which has haunted the community and families of the victims since it occurred. Brashers, an American serial killer, died by suicide in 1999 during a police standoff.
On Friday, the Austin Police Department announced the results of extensive DNA testing that led to Brashers being identified as the perpetrator behind the brutal killings of Amy Ayers (13), Eliza Thomas (17), and sisters Jennifer (17) and Sarah Harbison (15). In the tragic event, the girls were bound, gagged, shot in the head, and set on fire inside the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt store.
At least one of the victims had been sexually assaulted. Jennifer and Eliza were working at the yogurt shop that evening, while Amy and Sarah arrived to meet them for a ride home. The attack happened around closing time when the assailant sneaked in through the back door of the store. Firefighters discovered the victims with their bodies bound by underwear and gagged with cloth, a scene that shocked the local community.
The fire set to cover the crime destroyed potential forensic evidence, and at the time, the store lacked video surveillance. Initial suspects were arrested in 1999, including Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott, both teenagers at the time. However, their convictions were eventually overturned due to new DNA evidence that did not link them to the scene of the crime.
Throughout the years, investigative efforts have revealed that Brashers was connected to multiple other crimes, including a 1990 murder in South Carolina, a 1998 double murder in Missouri, and a 1997 rape in Tennessee. Despite the identification of Brashers, the Austin police have indicated that the case remains open and ongoing as they continue to seek justice for the families of the victims.
Recently, the case garnered renewed attention, especially with the release of an HBO docuseries titled The Yogurt Shop Murders, which highlighted the horrific nature of the crime and the prolonged quest for justice. Police have been in touch with the families of the victims to communicate these recent developments in the case.
In memory of the four girls, a ground-level plaque dedicated to them can be found in the parking lot of the strip mall where the yogurt shop once stood. The murder case continues to resonate deeply within the Austin community, reminding them of the tragedy that unfolded over three decades ago.
FAQ
The victims were Amy Ayers (13), Eliza Thomas (17), and sisters Jennifer (17) and Sarah Harbison (15).
Who is the identified suspect in the yogurt shop murders?
The suspect has been identified as Robert Eugene Brashers, an American serial killer.
How did police identify Robert Eugene Brashers as the suspect?
Police announced Brashers’ identification following extensive DNA testing.
What happened to the victims?
The girls were bound, gagged, shot in the head, and then set on fire inside “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt.”
What was the initial outcome for suspects arrested in 1999?
Initial suspects Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott were arrested but their convictions were eventually overturned due to new DNA evidence.
What is currently being done about the case?
The Austin police have indicated that the case remains open and ongoing, continuing to seek justice for the victims’ families.
Where can one find a memorial for the victims?
A ground-level plaque dedicated to the victims can be found in the parking lot of the strip mall where the yogurt shop stood.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Year | 1991 |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Victims | Amy Ayers (13), Eliza Thomas (17), Jennifer Harbison (17), Sarah Harbison (15) |
| Suspect Identified | Robert Eugene Brashers |
| DNA Testing Use | Confirmed identification of the suspect |
| Initial Arrests | Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott |
| Documentary | The Yogurt Shop Murders (HBO) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Austin Faces Surge in Violent Crime as Homicides Rise
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
- 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.
