In a move that could finally bring closure to a case that has haunted Austin for three decades, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office has taken the first legal step to clear the names of four men wrongly accused of murdering four teenage girls in 1991.
Background of the 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders
The murders took place at the Anderson Lane shop known as “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” in 1991. Four girls-Amy Ayers, Eliza Thomas, Sarah Harbison and Jennifer Harbison-were killed in the shop’s kitchen area. The crime shocked the community and led to a lengthy investigation.
Initial Arrests and Misidentifications
Following the murders, police arrested Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Maurice Pierce and Forrest Welborn. Each man was taken into custody for reasons that varied from evidence to investigative pressure. The arrests were made within days of the crime, but no definitive link tied them to the killings.
The Case Stands Unresolved for Decades
For more than thirty years, the four men remained on the record as suspects. The case lingered in the public eye and in the legal system, with no new evidence emerging to resolve the accusations. Families of the victims and the accused alike endured uncertainty and frustration.
New Evidence in September
In September, the Austin Police Department announced that ballistic and DNA evidence linked a different man-Robert Brashers-to the quadruple murder. The evidence was collected from the crime scene and matched Brashers’ DNA profile, providing a new lead.
The DA’s Exoneration Motion
With the new evidence, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. The motion initiates the exoneration process for Scott, Springsteen, Pierce and Welborn, aiming to legally clear their names.
Episode of Unsolved: Central Texas
The motion was highlighted in this week’s episode of Unsolved: Central Texas. Public safety and Crime Imprints reporter Brianna Hollis spoke with Avery Travis about the DA’s steps toward exoneration.
Discussion of Legal and Investigative Twists
During the interview, Hollis and Travis reviewed the decades of legal and investigative twists that shaped the case. They explored how the initial arrests, the lack of evidence, and the passage of time complicated the pursuit of justice.
Next Steps in the Exoneration Process
The conversation also covered what needs to happen next to move forward with the exoneration process. This includes filing the necessary paperwork, presenting the new evidence, and navigating the legal framework for post-conviction relief.
Attorneys’ Reactions to the Motion
Hollis reported how attorneys for some of the men reacted to the District Attorney’s motion. The lawyers expressed relief and optimism, noting that the new evidence could finally vindicate their clients.
Emotional Responses from Victim Families
The interview also captured the emotional responses of family members of the victims. After decades of waiting for closure, the families expressed a mix of relief, gratitude, and continued grief.
Legal Framework for Exoneration
The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct provide a mechanism for correcting wrongful accusations. By filing the motion, the DA’s office is formally requesting the court to review the case and potentially clear the men’s names.
Potential Outcomes for the Accused Men
If the court accepts the motion, the four men could receive official exoneration. This would remove the wrongful accusation from their records and could open avenues for civil claims or other remedies.
Significance for the Austin Community
The case’s resolution holds significance beyond the individuals involved. It reflects on the broader issues of investigative integrity, the impact of new forensic technologies, and the community’s desire for justice.
The Role of Forensic Science
The ballistic and DNA evidence that linked Brashers to the crime underscores the power of modern forensic science. It demonstrates how advances can revisit cold cases and alter long-held assumptions.
The DA’s Commitment to Justice
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office’s motion signals a commitment to ensuring that the legal system corrects past errors. It also highlights the importance of continual review of evidence and procedures.
Looking Ahead
The next steps involve court hearings, the submission of evidence, and potential appeals. The process will be closely watched by the community and legal observers.
Key Takeaways
- The DA’s office has filed a motion to exonerate four men wrongly accused in 1991.
- New ballistic and DNA evidence points to Robert Brashers as the actual perpetrator.
- Families of the victims and the accused are seeking closure after decades of uncertainty.
The case’s potential resolution offers a chance for justice to finally take its rightful place, bringing closure to a painful chapter in Austin’s history.
