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Austin Settles Yogurt-Shop Murders for $35 M, Issues Debt

5/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Austin reached a tentative $35 million settlement with Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Maurice Pierce and Forrest Wellborn for the 1991 yogurt-shop murders.
Council member Marc Duchan said the city will issue debt, not a loan, affecting bond capacity instead of the operating budget.
The settlement follows the 2025 DNA link to Robert Eugene Brashers, who died by suicide with the same .380 pistol used in the murders.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the O.J. Simpson murder trial presented 108 DNA exhibits, including 61 blood drops, with matches reported as precise as a 1-in-9.7 billion chance of error. The Los Angeles Police Department’s handling of the evidence sparked nationwide debate, prompting the creation of a state DNA crime lab and influencing later municipal settlement policies.

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Story summary

Austin reached a tentative $35 million settlement with Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Maurice Pierce and Forrest Wellborn for the 1991 yogurt-shop murders.
Council member Marc Duchan said the city will issue debt, not a loan, affecting bond capacity instead of the operating budget.
The settlement follows the 2025 DNA link to Robert Eugene Brashers, who died by suicide with the same .380 pistol used in the murders.

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