Cold Case Initiative Launched by Victim’s Family After 1991 Texas Murder
Shawn and Angie Ayers, still in search of answers about the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders that claimed the life of Shawn’s sister Amy, have initiated a national effort for cold case investigations. Alongside former prosecutors Mindy Montford and Anne Marie Schubert, they founded the National Cold Case Center, dedicated to funding unsolved homicide investigations, training investigators, and assisting victims’ families.
The 1991 Yogurt Shop Murders
The murders occurred on December 6, 1991, at the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt! shop on West Anderson Lane. Four girls were killed: 13-year-old Amy Ayers, 17-year-olds Jennifer Harbison and Eliza Thomas, and 15-year-old Sarah Harbison. A fire reported shortly before midnight complicated crime scene evidence. The victims were found in the shop, bound and shot, with Amy showing additional signs of burning.
Investigation and Killer Identification
Efforts to solve the case faced challenges like false confessions and wrongful convictions for four local teens, whose charges were eventually dismissed. DNA evidence later identified serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers as one of the perpetrators. Brashers, who died by suicide during a police standoff in 1999, was linked to other violent crimes using similar weaponry.
“Due to what we’ve gone through and seen, not only from our experience but by listening to others struggling, we wanted to start a nonprofit,” Angie Ayers explained.
Despite identifying Brashers, questions about a possible accomplice remain since two different firearms were used during the attack.
Wrongful Convictions and Aftermath
Initially, four local teens were implicated. Convictions based on pressured confessions were overturned by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals after DNA testing failed to link them to the scene. Brunson and Scott were released in 2009; Maurice Pierce was killed in a 2010 police encounter. In 2026, a declaration of innocence led to a $35 million settlement for wrongful accusation victims.
Support for Other Families
The Ayers’ endeavor, inspired by their personal struggle and others’ stories, aims to assist relatives of homicide victims. In collaboration with Montford and Schubert, they organized to enhance law enforcement training, data collection, and family communication. Their nonprofit seeks to ensure investigative tools and peer support are accessible to families dealing with unsolved cases.
“Funding is crucial for us,” Angie stated. “We aim to launch initial case investigations and provide vital resources to law enforcement.”
To spread awareness, the Ayers actively participate in cold case conferences across multiple states. Addressing not just unsolved crimes but also potential threats from unidentified perpetrators underscores their mission.