1991 Austin Yogurt Shop Murders Documentary Premieres at SXSW

In December 1991, tragedy struck in North Austin when four teenage girls were found brutally murdered in an “I Can’t Believe it’s Yogurt!” shop. Bound, gagged, shot in the head, and burned, the horrific crime shook the community to its core. Now, a new four-episode documentary series called “The Yogurt Shop Murders” by director Margaret Brown is shedding light on this chilling case.

The series, which premiered at South By Southwest, delves into the lives of Jennifer Harbison, Sarah Harbison, Eliza Thomas, and Amy Ayers, the victims of this senseless crime, and explores the lasting impact their deaths had on the tight-knit Austin community. Brown, known for her previous acclaimed documentaries, brings a sensitive approach to this haunting story, aiming to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.

Through interviews with friends and family members, as well as archival footage from that fateful night, the series paints a vivid picture of the events that unfolded at the yogurt shop. It was a night like any other, with the girls working the closing shift and preparing to head home when the unimaginable happened. Their lives were cut short in a horrifying act of violence that still haunts the city to this day.

Despite initial arrests and convictions, the case took unexpected turns, leading to the exoneration of two of the suspects due to improperly obtained confessions. DNA evidence later revealed that none of the four men originally arrested were connected to the crime. The case remains unsolved, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the community.

“The Yogurt Shop Murders” is set to be available for streaming on HBO Max in 2025. As viewers delve into this heartbreaking story, they will bear witness to the resilience and strength of those affected by the tragedy, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of darkness. This documentary serves not only as a tribute to the memory of the girls but also as a reminder of the importance of seeking justice and closure in the face of unimaginable loss.