A new HBO Max docuseries is revisiting the unsolved 1991 murders of four teenage girls at an Austin yogurt shop, shedding light on investigative mistakes and new DNA evidence that may help resolve the cold case after over three decades. The crime, which shocked the city and left the community grappling with grief and unanswered questions, has now become the focus of renewed attention thanks to the series. The murders occurred on December 6, 1991, when firefighters responding to a blaze at the store discovered the bodies of Eliza Thomas, 17; sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, 15; and Amy Ayers, 13. All four were shot in the head, with authorities suspecting they were bound, some sexually assaulted, and that the fire was intentionally set to destroy evidence.
The case has been a source of anguish for the victims’ families and the Austin community, which has long sought justice. Over the years, numerous suspects were identified, with three young men initially confessing to the crimes but later having their convictions overturned due to lacking physical evidence and questionable interrogation methods. The original suspects were eventually released, and no one has been held responsible for the murders. The lack of resolution has led to frustration, with the families still seeking answers. The new HBO Max series, titled The Yogurt Shop Murders, premiering on August 3, aims to revisit the case with a focus on alleged investigative errors. The series features interviews with detectives, victims’ family members, and never-before-seen footage from an abandoned documentary.
As the case enters its 34th year, renewed hope has emerged with the possibility of new forensic evidence. A 2020 DNA test reportedly linked crime scene evidence to an unknown male, and the FBI has a sample from the same individual. However, legal hurdles have prevented law enforcement from accessing it. Detective Dan Jackson, who took over the case in 2022, has expressed confidence that technological advancements could ultimately lead to the identification of the perpetrator. ‘If I didn’t believe this case could be solved, I wouldn’t be doing this,’ Jackson told USA Today. The Austin Police Department has stated they are unable to comment on the details of the case, as it remains active and ongoing. For many in Austin and the victims’ families, the renewed attention offers a chance that the truth may finally come to light and that justice will be served.