Austin Yogurt Shop murders: Hearing to clear names of previous suspects

AUSTIN, Texas - A hearing is being held to clear the names of the four men previously accused of the 1991 Yogurt Shop murders.

The hearing began at 9 a.m. (CT) in the 460th District Court, under the jurisdiction of the original court, the 167th District Court. 

What they're saying:

"It has been over twenty-five years since the four men wrongfully accused have been waiting for the criminal justice system to clear their names," said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. "We hope this hearing offers the transparency they need to help them move forward and supports the healing process for the families of the four young girls, as well as for our Austin community."

The backstory:

In September 2025, after more than three decades, Austin police investigators identified Robert Eugene Brashers as the man responsible for the unsolved 1991 quadruple murder at an Austin yogurt shop.

The crime happened shortly before midnight on Friday, Dec. 6, 1991.

An Austin police patrol officer saw a fire coming from the "I Can't Believe It's Yogurt! (ICBY)" shop located at 2949 West Anderson Lane. After the Austin Fire Department extinguished the fire, firefighters found four dead bodies.

Former yogurt shop suspect's attorney reacts to hearing

The Travis County District Attorney has announced a hearing to clear the names of the four men who were previously accused of the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders.

The victims were 17-year-old Jennifer Harbison, 15-year-old Sarah Harbison, 17-year-old Eliza Thomas, and 13-year-old Amy Ayers. Jennifer and Eliza were employees at the shop, and Sarah and Amy were with them as they closed for the night.

All four girls were nude and had been shot, bound, and gagged. Due to fire and water damage from the sprinklers, evidence collection was challenging.