On December 6, 1991, Austin, Texas, lost its innocence when four teenage girls were brutally murdered in an “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” shop. The victims, Eliza Thomas (17), Jennifer Harbison (17), Sarah Harbison (15), and Amy Ayers (13), were found bound, gagged, and shot in the head. The yogurt shop had been set on fire, destroying much of the potential evidence. This horrific crime has haunted their families, the city, and the investigators who chased every lead in the case to a dead end for decades.

December 6, 1991:

• 11:00 PM: The yogurt shop closes for the night. Eliza Thomas and Jennifer Harbison, who were working that night, are joined by Jennifer’s sister, Sarah, and their friend, Amy Ayers.  
• 11:47 PM: A fire is reported at the yogurt shop.  
• Upon arrival: Firefighters discover the bodies of the four girls in a back room. They are found bound, gagged, and shot in the head.  

The Victims

The four victims were all young girls with their whole lives ahead of them:

• Eliza Thomas: 17 years old, worked at the yogurt shop  
• Jennifer Harbison: 17 years old, worked at the yogurt shop, Eliza’s friend
• Sarah Harbison: 15 years old, Jennifer’s sister
• Amy Ayers: 13 years old, Sarah’s friend

All four girls were found bound, gagged, and shot in the head. Their deaths left a gaping hole in the Austin community and devastated their families.

The Investigation and Trial

The investigation into the yogurt shop murders was long and complex, hampered by the destruction of evidence caused by the fire. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, the case went cold for many years. In the immediate aftermath of the murders, investigators questioned numerous witnesses and pursued various leads, but no significant breakthroughs were made. The fire that was set at the yogurt shop destroyed much of the potential evidence, making it difficult for investigators to identify the perpetrators.

Initial Arrests and Convictions

In 1999, a new team of investigators decided to re-examine old leads and evidence. Four men were arrested and charged with the crime: Robert Springsteen, Michael Scott, Maurice Pierce, and Forrest Welborn. Two of the men, Springsteen and Scott, confessed to the crime, but later recanted their confessions, claiming they were coerced. Despite the recantations, Springsteen and Scott were convicted in 2001 and 2002.

Overturned Convictions and Dismissed Charges

Both Springsteen’s and Scott’s convictions were overturned on appeal on the grounds that the confessions used against them were coerced and that there was a lack of physical evidence linking them to the crime. In 2003, charges were dropped against all four men due to a lack of evidence.

Ongoing Investigation

The case remains open, and investigators continue to pursue new leads and evidence. Recent developments in DNA technology have raised doubts about the involvement of the initial arrestees. Investigators are now focusing on the theory that two unidentified men seen in the yogurt shop on the night of the murders may be responsible for the crime. These men were described by other patrons as “out of place” and have never been identified. 

The Impact on the Community and Families

The yogurt shop murders had a profound impact on the Austin community and the families of the victims.

The murders shattered the sense of safety and security in Austin. The city was gripped by fear and anxiety, as residents grappled with the reality that such a horrific crime could happen in their own backyard. The case also raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the ability of the police to solve crimes. The yogurt shop murders became a symbol of the city’s lost innocence and a reminder of the evil that exists in the world.

The families of the victims were devastated by the murders. They have spent decades searching for answers and justice, enduring the emotional and psychological toll of living with the unanswered questions surrounding their loved ones’ deaths. The families continue to advocate for justice and closure, hoping that one day the truth will be revealed and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

Conclusion

The yogurt shop murders remain one of the most haunting unsolved crimes in Texas history. The brutal deaths of four young girls shattered the sense of safety and security in Austin and left a lasting impact on the community and the families of the victims. Despite extensive investigations and numerous leads, the case remains open, and the perpetrators have never been brought to justice.

The search for answers continues, driven by the unwavering determination of the families and the hope that one day the truth will be revealed. The yogurt shop murders serve as a stark reminder of the importance of continued vigilance in preventing such tragedies and the need to never give up on seeking justice for the victims of violent crime.

Sources

• This article has a lot of good information. 
• This book by Beverly Lowry is really well-written and informative. 

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