What's Happening?
The ABC News Podcast Network, in collaboration with 20/20, is launching two new true crime podcasts. One of these, titled 'Cold Blooded: Who Killed These Girls?', will delve into the infamous 1991 quadruple murder at an 'I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!'
shop in Austin, Texas. This case, which involved the murders of teenagers Amy Ayers, Jennifer Harbison, Sarah Harbison, and Eliza Thomas, remained unsolved for 34 years. The victims were found gagged, tied up, and shot in the head, with the shop later set on fire to conceal evidence. In September 2025, the Austin Police Department announced that advanced Y-STR DNA profiles and autosomal DNA linked serial killer and rapist Robert Eugene Brashers to the crime. Brashers died by suicide in 1999 during a standoff with police. The podcast will feature 20/20 editorial producer Cristina Corbin, who has followed the story for years and spent time with investigators and victims' families. The first three episodes of 'Cold Blooded: Who Killed These Girls?' are available to '20/20 True Crime+' subscribers on Apple Podcasts starting November 10, with a wider release on all platforms on November 24.
Why It's Important?
The launch of 'Cold Blooded: Who Killed These Girls?' underscores the enduring public fascination with true crime narratives, particularly those involving long-unsolved cases and the application of modern forensic science. The podcast's focus on the Austin yogurt shop murders, a case that haunted the community for decades, highlights the impact of such crimes on victims' families and the persistent efforts of law enforcement. The use of advanced DNA profiling to identify Robert Eugene Brashers, years after his death, demonstrates the transformative power of forensic technology in bringing closure to cold cases. This development is significant for the families seeking answers and for the broader understanding of how scientific advancements can reshape criminal investigations, even those spanning many years.
What's Next?
The initial three episodes of 'Cold Blooded: Who Killed These Girls?' are now available for '20/20 True Crime+' subscribers on Apple Podcasts, with a broader release scheduled for November 24. This staggered release strategy aims to leverage subscription models while eventually reaching a wider audience. The podcast is expected to explore the intricate details of the 1991 murders, the decades-long investigation, and the eventual breakthrough with DNA evidence. Listeners can anticipate a deep dive into the case, including interviews and insights from those closely involved. The ABC News Podcast Network is also launching another true crime podcast, 'Britain’s Most Notorious Crimes,' in January 2027, indicating a continued investment in the true crime genre.
Beyond the Headlines
The 'Cold Blooded: Who Killed These Girls?' podcast, by revisiting the Austin yogurt shop murders, touches upon several deeper implications. It highlights the psychological toll that unsolved crimes take on communities and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and journalists. The podcast's narrative, focusing on the victims and their families, can serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of violence. Furthermore, the eventual identification of the perpetrator through advanced DNA technology, years after the crime and the perpetrator's death, raises ethical considerations about posthumous accountability and the evolving nature of justice in the digital age. It also reinforces the idea that no case is truly 'cold' with the continuous advancements in forensic science, offering hope for other long-unsolved mysteries.
