The case is no longer wholly unsolved: in September 2025, Austin police identified Robert Eugene Brashers as the suspect, citing DNA and ballistics evidence. Brashers died in 1999 and was never tried for these murders. In February 2026, a judge formally declared the four men previously accused innocent.
What happened at the Austin yogurt shop?
On December 6, 1991, Amy Ayers, 13, Eliza Thomas, 17, Jennifer Harbison, 17, and Sarah Harbison, 15, were at the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt shop in Austin, Texas. They were bound, gagged, and shot, and the building was set on fire. Investigators later said the fire badly damaged the scene and left them with limited physical evidence.
Why did the case take so long to identify a suspect?
There was no single reason. The scene’s condition, the limits of the forensic methods available at the time, and the need to connect evidence held in different cases and laboratories all mattered. A major breakthrough came only after investigators revisited both DNA and a cartridge case using updated analysis.
The DNA evidence needed more capable analysis and comparison
Austin police said investigators developed an unknown 16-marker Y-STR profile from sexual-assault-kit swabs. Later analysis and manual comparison across laboratories produced a 27-marker profile that matched a known profile associated with Brashers. Investigators also received a report linking the unknown profile to a 1990 South Carolina murder, then learned that DNA from under Ayers’ fingernail matched the known profile.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
A cartridge case opened a separate investigative route
In June 2025, detectives submitted a .380 cartridge case found in a drain to an updated National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) process. The comparison connected it to an unsolved 1998 Kentucky murder, prompting investigators to compare the cases. Austin police cited this ballistics lead alongside the DNA evidence and similarities in the crimes’ methods when they named Brashers as a suspect.
The old prosecution focused attention on the wrong men
Four teenagers—Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Maurice Pierce, and Forrest Welborn—were arrested in 1999. Scott and Springsteen were convicted in 2001 and 2002, largely on statements implicating one another. They said their confessions were coerced; the convictions were later overturned after a constitutional error in the trials. New DNA testing excluded all four men as contributors to the unknown Y-STR profile.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The cases did not all proceed in the same way: Welborn was not indicted by a grand jury, and Pierce’s case was dismissed before trial. The charges against the men were dismissed after DNA evidence undermined the prosecution theory. In February 2026, a judge formally declared all four innocent, as reported by the Associated Press. Travis County First Assistant District Attorney Trudy Strassburger said the prosecution “could not have been more wrong.”
What evidence led police to Brashers?
Austin police announced Brashers as a suspect in September 2025, pointing to the DNA and cartridge-case evidence, his proximity to the region shortly after the killings, and similarities in modus operandi. Police also reported that on December 8, 1991, less than 48 hours after the murders, Brashers was stopped at a border checkpoint near El Paso in a stolen car with a .380 pistol. Investigators said the weapon’s serial number matched the gun he later used to kill himself.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
That checkpoint account was a significant lead, not a complete explanation of the crime. Police said they still did not know why Brashers was in Austin on the night the girls were killed. He died in 1999, so he could not be tried in this case.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the case’s status now?
The careful distinction is between an investigative identification, a court action clearing the wrongfully accused, and a criminal conviction. Austin police attributed the murders to Brashers based on the evidence they described; the four men previously accused were formally declared innocent in 2026. Brashers was never tried or convicted for these killings. The Associated Press’s February 2026 report described officials as having identified him as the killer, but that conclusion was not tested in a trial.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The key dated accounts are Austin Police Department’s September 2025 announcement, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office’s December 2025 notice about the earlier prosecution, and Associated Press reports published September 29, 2025, and in February 2026. Together, they document how the forensic leads developed and how the legal status changed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
