When Dan Jackson became the head of the Austin police’s unsolved homicide unit in 2022, he felt a pressure like never before. On his first day, his supervisor pulled him aside and tasked him with solving the haunting case of four teenage girls murdered in a yogurt shop over 30 years ago.
“This case is for life,” Jackson recalled, knowing its emotional weight. Even getting shot in the line of duty couldn’t deter him from pursuing justice for those girls, as highlighted in the HBO documentary “The Yogurt Shop Murders.”
After three years of relentless effort, including utilizing advanced DNA technology and collaborating with law enforcement nationwide, Jackson’s hard work began to bear fruit. Recently, he identified Robert Eugene Brashers, a suspected serial killer who died in 1999, as the likely culprit behind the tragic events of 1991.
“This is a massive breakthrough,” said Jackson. His strong conviction, “I’m 100% that this is Robert Eugene Brashers,” signified how far he’d come.
The identification also means the exoneration of four teenage boys wrongfully accused in the late ’90s—two of whom confessed under pressure. They served time until DNA evidence finally cleared them in 2009. “The evidence overwhelmingly points to one man’s guilt and four boys’ innocence,” stated Travis County DA Jose Garza.
Reflecting on the emotional impact, Jackson noted that the case “wounded the community deep.” With this new evidence, Austin can start the healing process.
The yogurt shop incident wasn’t just a tragic event in 1991; it was a catalyst for change in the way such cases are investigated. Back then, forensic science was still in its infancy, and little evidence survived after the scene was contaminated. It wasn’t until 2008 that forensic testing yielded a male DNA profile but resulted in no matches.
Since then, advancements have accelerated. DNA testing has evolved significantly, leading Jackson to remark, “We’ve come a long way since ’91.” With further testing and help from national databases, a clear picture started to emerge, including potential links to unsolved murders in Kentucky.
In recent years, social media has helped resurrect interest in cold cases. Online communities advocate for justice and share personal stories, amplifying the voices of victims and their families. This case has been no exception, showcasing the power of collective memory and technology to unlock long-silenced truths.
The strong community interest is echoed by family members of the victims. Shawn Ayers, brother of victim Amy, expressed his hope that new evidence would help others seeking closure in similar cases. “We want to help others like us,” he emphasized.
As Jackson continues to push for answers in this case, he urges law enforcement across the country to reexamine cold cases, particularly those that share characteristics with the yogurt shop murders. “It’s possible that there are more victims out there,” he warned.
Jackson’s journey, filled with determination and empathy, shows that while justice may take time, it can ultimately prevail, offering a glimmer of hope to communities and families still grappling with loss.
For further details on the advancements in DNA technology and its implications in solving cold cases, check out the NIJ report.
