How Investigators Identified a New Suspect in the Yogurt Shop Murders Case

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It’s been thirty-three years since the tragic shooting at an Austin, Texas yogurt shop on December 6, 1991, where four young girls lost their lives. On Friday, the Austin American-Statesman reported that police have identified a suspect: Robert Eugene Brashers, who died by suicide in 1999.

According to a statement from the city of Austin, investigators have found a suspect in these murders using extensive DNA testing. They were able to identify the person through a broad range of DNA tests.”

Until recently, the investigation into the deaths of Amy Ayers (13), Jennifer Harbison (17), Sarah Harbison (15), and Eliza Thomas (17) centered around four men: Maurice Pierce, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, and Forrest Welborn. Despite looking into these suspects, investigators hadn’t found any physical evidence connecting them to the crime. Police did take samples from the girls hoping to use DNA testing later on.

For over thirty years, authorities believed the event was a failed robbery. The case went unsolved for so long, partly because the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt shop was burned down, destroying important clues. Furthermore, there were no security cameras at the store, and police were unable to trace customers who used cash to pay.

I was reading the New York Times today, and they said investigators finally caught Brashers using a really fascinating technique – genetic genealogy. Basically, they took the DNA profile of the person they thought committed the crime and plugged it into one of those online family history databases. It’s amazing how they can track people down that way!

This new development follows the airing of a well-received documentary series on HBO in August, titled The Yogurt Shop Murders. The series examined the leading theories surrounding the girls’ murders and included interviews with their families. Importantly, the documentary remained neutral, letting viewers form their own conclusions about who was responsible.

The reason these four girls were killed is still a mystery. It’s uncertain if this latest update in the investigation will offer any clues about why the killings happened. We will have to wait and see if it reveals a motive. Investigators are hopeful for a breakthrough, but as of now, the reason remains unclear. Finding a motive is the key to solving this case.

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2025-09-29 21:07