Austin mayor, police chief hold press conference about Yogurt Shop Murders breakthrough

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AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis held a press conference Monday morning at Austin City Hall to present how investigators solved one of the city's most infamous cold cases: The 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders.

Background of the case

On Dec. 6, 1991, Austin firefighters responded to a fire at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” shop off Anderson Lane in north Austin. What started as a structure fire call evolved to a quadruple homicide case after first responders found bodies in the building. 

Who were the victims of the Yogurt Shop Murders?

The victims were identified as Amy Ayers, 13, Eliza Thomas, 17, Jennifer Harbison, 17, and Harbison’s younger sister, Sarah, 15.

Over the years, four men were accused of the murders. Some were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. By the late 2000s, all four were exonerated and released from custody.

Timeline of the Yogurt Shop Murders investigation

Police announced Sept. 26 that they linked a suspect, Robert Eugene Brashers, to the 1991 quadruple murder after analyzing DNA and ballistic evidence. Brashers died by suicide in 1999.

Who attended Monday's press conference

Along with Watson and Davis, the girls' relatives attended the press conference.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Austin Police Department and the outpouring of support from the community,” the Harbison family told KXAN on Sunday.

‘It made me cry a little bit’: Austinites pay respects at memorial remembering Yogurt Shop Murders

APD Cold Case Detective Daniel Jackson, APD Forensic Science Director Dr. Dana Kadavy, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, and Mindy Montford from the Texas Attorney General’s Office also attended the news conference.

‘We lived with it’: Former Travis Co. DA reflects on team dedicated to solving Yogurt Shop Murders

What was said at the press conference

This press conference is ongoing; we'll update this section as it proceeds. The full press conference will be available in this story following its conclusion.

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