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Serial killer identified through DNA as suspect in 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders

September 30, 2025 / 04:19

This episode covers the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas, the recent identification of a suspect, and the emotional impact on the victims' families. Erin Morardi discusses the case's history, including the discovery of DNA linking the murders to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashier. Retired investigator John Jones shares his reaction to the DNA match and reflects on the case's long unsolved status.

The episode highlights the tragic details of the crime, where four teenage girls were found shot and killed, and the yogurt shop was set on fire. Sonora Thomas, sister of victim Eliza, recalls the shock and grief experienced by the families.

Morardi explains the challenges faced by investigators over the years, including overturned convictions and the destruction of evidence from the fire. The episode concludes with Jones expressing his hope that the families will finally receive answers about their loved ones' murders.

TLDR

DNA links 1991 yogurt shop murders to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashier, providing closure for victims' families after decades of uncertainty.

Episode

4:19
00:00:00
And now to a stunning twist in a murder case that is haunted that has haunted rather Austin, Texas for more than 30
00:00:06
years. Happened back in 1991. Four teenage girls were found shot and killed in a yogurt shop. For years, the
00:00:14
question swirled about who was responsible for this horrible crime until now. 48 Hours correspondent Erin
00:00:20
Morardi has covered this story for decades and she was first to report that police have now identified a suspect
00:00:26
through DNA and he is a serial killer. Using advanced technology, a DNA match was just discovered in the long unsolved
00:00:37
1991 yogurt shop murders. Many, including the retired original investigator John Jones, wondered if the
00:00:46
killings of the four teenage girls would ever be solved. And then Jones received
00:00:52
a call from a current detective. >> It was kind of one surprise after another, but it all made sense. And when
00:00:59
he got to the part about the DNA, I didn't quite know what to say. Jones told us that DNA found on one of
00:01:08
the teenagers bodies, including under her fingernails matched that of the deceased serial killer, Robert Eugene
00:01:16
Brashier. Brashier had been connected to three other murders in South Carolina and Missouri. In 1999,
00:01:25
after a standoff with police, Brashier shot and killed himself. The case may now be solved, but the images of
00:01:33
December 6th, 1991 will always remain with Jones. >> I can definitely still see it.
00:01:41
>> Eliza Thomas, Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, and Amy Ays have been tied up and shot in the head. And then the
00:01:50
yogurt shop was set on fire. A task force worked for years to find the killers. Billboards asked for help as the
00:01:58
victim's families and the city of Austin grieved. >> I remember the shock. >> Sonora Thomas was 13 years old when her
00:02:07
only sibling, Eliza, was murdered. >> You just hold on to anything you can to get through these moments that are so
00:02:16
impossible. >> Police. Over the decades, there were arrests, even convictions. But those
00:02:24
convictions were overturned. It left Jones and the families in emotional turmoil. Jones long ago made a pledge to
00:02:33
the families involving the shirt he wore on the night of the murders. >> The next time they saw me with that
00:02:39
green and white shirt on, that was a signal to them that, you know, we knew who did it. And now, 33 years later,
00:02:48
that shirt he saved all those years can finally be worn. But what do you want for the families?
00:02:56
>> I want them to know who actually killed her girls. Answer the question on the billboard.
00:03:03
Who killed these girls? He did. >> Boy, he did. Arian Mory, Erin Morardi joins us now from Austin where there
00:03:12
will be a news conference later this morning to give us the rest of the details. But Erin, I've been watching
00:03:17
this series on the HBO um on the HBO uh streaming service. So, I've been very fascinated by this case from the very
00:03:25
beginning. What can you tell us about this suspect and why has it been so difficult to solve this case after all
00:03:30
these years? >> You know, Gail, I hope they really have it. Um, this guy is a bad guy. Buriers
00:03:39
is a serial killer, rapist, and a pedophile, but most of his crimes happened after the yogurt shop. It
00:03:47
wasn't until after he shot himself that he was connected to the other murders. And then add to that that there was
00:03:54
whoever did kill these girls set the yogurt shop on fire. That destroyed so much of the evidence. Luckily, the
00:04:02
initial detectives hung on to some forensic evidence and preserved it, but then it was only a uh just a
00:04:11
semi-profile. So, those are some of the problems they've had in this case. All right, Erin, thank you very

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 90
    Most heartbreaking
  • 85
    Most shocking
  • 85
    Biggest twist
  • 80
    Most emotional

Episode Highlights

  • DNA Match Identifies Suspect
    Police have identified a suspect in the yogurt shop murders through DNA evidence.
    “DNA found on one of the teenagers matched that of the deceased serial killer.”
    @ 01m 05s
    September 30, 2025
  • Emotional Turmoil for Families
    Families and investigators have faced years of emotional turmoil as the case remained unsolved.
    “It left Jones and the families in emotional turmoil.”
    @ 02m 24s
    September 30, 2025

Episode Quotes

  • It was kind of one surprise after another, but it all made sense.
    Serial killer identified through DNA as suspect in 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders
  • I want them to know who actually killed her girls.
    Serial killer identified through DNA as suspect in 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders

Key Moments

  • Decades-Long Haunting00:02
  • DNA Breakthrough00:26
  • Emotional Struggle02:14
  • Closure for Families02:58

Words per Minute Over Time

Vibes Breakdown