Full Breakdown
Austin Settles $35 Million Claim with Family of Wrongfully Accused Maurice Pierce, Demands Juvenile-Interrogation Reform
6/28/2026, 1:47:52 AM
Settlement and Family Response
The City of Austin approved a $35 million settlement with the four men exonerated in the 1991 yogurt-shop murders. Maurice Pierce’s $10 million share will go to his widow, Kimberli Pierce, and daughter, Marisa Pierce, after his 2010 death. The family called the payment “blood money” and said it should spur reform, not serve as compensation.
Background of the 1991 Yogurt-Shop Murders
On Dec 6, 1991, four teenage girls—Eliza Thomas, Amy Ayers, and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison—were bound, shot and left in a burning Austin yogurt shop. Sixteen-year-old Maurice Pierce was arrested after police linked a .22 handgun in his possession to the crime. He, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen and Forrest Welborn were later cleared when DNA testing and new leads identified Robert Eugene Brashers as the perpetrator.
2010 Police Shooting of Maurice Pierce
In 2010, Pierce was stopped for a traffic violation, fled on foot, and was shot by an Austin officer who claimed Pierce stabbed him with a knife. Marisa Pierce recalled her father’s last words: “I’m sorry, I don’t think you’re gonna see me again, and I love you.” The family has asked for a review; police department declined comment.
Proposed Juvenile-Interrogation Reforms
The Pierces proposed seven reforms: appoint a child advocate for minor interrogation; ban deceptive tactics, including officers lying to juveniles; require full recording of all juvenile interviews; educate minors on their rights before questioning; create accountability to curb tunnel-vision policing; review all cases handled by lead detective Paul Johnson; and adopt policies to prevent future wrongful accusations.
Official Statements & City Response
Austin officials announced the $35 million settlement as resolution of city’s liability. The Pierce family said the settlement should lead to safeguards that prevent future families from enduring similar harm. When asked about the family’s harassment claims and the 2010 shooting, Austin Police Department said it had “no comment.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kimberli Pierce called the settlement “blood money,” emphasizing that the family’s priority is systemic reform rather than financial compensation. Their statements underscore broader concerns about Austin’s use of deceptive interrogation tactics on juveniles and the lack of oversight that allowed wrongful accusations to persist.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's blood money for us. He died for this money,” — Kimberli Pierce
- “It's about the reform and the changes that need to happen, not only in Austin, but apparently across the country.” — Kimberli Pierce
- “And in those last moments, he had just said I'm sorry, I don't think you're gonna see me again, and I love you.” — Maurice Pierce
- “Real justice is not only about acknowledging harm after the fact but about creating safeguards that prevent future families from enduring the same pain.” — Pierce family
What’s Next
The city must decide whether to adopt the seven reform proposals. The Pierces plan to monitor any policy changes and continue advocacy for nationwide juvenile-interrogation safeguards.
