Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Major Break in 1991 ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt’ Murders | Crime Alert 6AM 11.18.2025
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a significant update on the infamous 1991 “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” murders in Austin, Texas—a case that spanned more than three decades. Nancy Grace and Crime Stories reporter John Laemmle cover the latest breakthrough involving the identification of a new suspect using advanced DNA technology, share reactions from law enforcement and victim families, and recap other recent headline-grabbing criminal cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Breakthrough in the ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt’ Murders Case

[00:01]

• Crime Recap:

  • In 1991, four teenage girls were found murdered at an Austin yogurt shop: they were bound, shot, and the building was set ablaze.

• New Suspect Identified:

  • Modern DNA testing has linked the crime scene to Robert Eugene Brashers, who died in 1999.
  • Brashers was previously connected to violent crimes in multiple states.
  • The match was achieved by re-examining case samples with updated forensic technology.

• Case Implications:

  • Earlier, two men had been charged but later cleared.
  • The case technically remains open as police review more evidence and look for possible links to other crimes.
  • Authorities describe the DNA advance as a "significant breakthrough."

• Family & Community Impact:

  • While the suspect can’t be prosecuted due to his death, families now have long-awaited answers.
  • Official statements and more details are expected soon.

  Memorable Moment:

  "For the victims families, the news is bittersweet. There will be no prosecution because the suspect is deceased, but the identification brings long sought answers."
  — John Laemmle [00:58]

2. Recap of Other Major Crime Stories

[05:43]

a) Illinois: Law Enforcement Conviction

• Case Summary:

  • Former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson convicted of second-degree murder after fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a woman who had called 911 for help.
  • Jury rejected a first-degree charge; sentencing could be up to 20 years.
  • Massey was shot in her own home; bodycam evidence played a key role.

• Legal Aftermath:

  • The case prompted changes in Illinois law regarding hiring and background checks for law enforcement.

  Notable Quote:

  "The jury rejected a first degree murder charge, instead finding him guilty of the lesser count...Body camera footage showed Massey holding a pot of hot water just moments before she was shot."
  — John Laemmle [06:09]

b) Nebraska: Priest’s Murder

• Case Summary:
  • Kier Williams pleaded guilty to murdering Rev. Stephen Gutzel in a small town.
  • Williams had prior felony convictions; will face life in prison without parole.
  • Incident shook the tight-knit Fort Calhoun community.

c) Ohio: Child Stabbing Sentencing

• Case Summary:

  • Bianca Ellis sentenced to life without parole for stabbing 3-year-old Julian Wood outside a grocery store.
  • Ellis had been found guilty of aggravated murder despite an insanity defense.
  • Described by prosecutors as one of the most disturbing acts of violence encountered.

  Memorable Moment:

  "The boy died at the hospital and his mother was treated for a shoulder wound...Cuyahoga county prosecutors describe the crime as one of the most disturbing acts of violence they have encountered."
  — John Laemmle [08:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Yogurt Shop Case Breakthrough:

  “Authorities say DNA evidence now links the killings to Robert Eugene Brashers, a man who died in 1999 and who investigators believe was responsible for other violent crimes in several states.”
  — John Laemmle [00:18]

• On the Bittersweet Resolution for Families:

  “For the victims families, the news is bittersweet. There will be no prosecution because the suspect is deceased, but the identification brings long sought answers.”
  — John Laemmle [00:58]

• On Sonya Massey Case Prompting Reform:

  “The case prompted changes in Illinois law requiring greater transparency in the hiring and background checks of law enforcement officers.”
  — John Laemmle [07:11]

• On Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Reaction:

  “Cuyahoga county prosecutors describe the crime as one of the most disturbing acts of violence they have encountered, and the judge imposed the maximum penalty allowed by law.”
  — John Laemmle [08:16]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – John Laemmle reports on the Yogurt Shop murders DNA breakthrough
• 01:30 – Nancy Grace provides resource plug and transitions
• 05:43 – John Laemmle recaps three high-profile violent crime cases from Illinois, Nebraska, and Ohio
• 08:48 – Nancy Grace closes with a call to action and summary

Tone and Style

The episode maintains Nancy Grace’s signature authoritative and urgent voice, emphasizing the ongoing quest for justice and closure for victims and their families. John Laemmle reports in a factual, concise manner, providing essential information and context with sensitivity to victims and affected communities.

Summary for Non-Listeners:
This episode breaks major news in the infamous 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders, revealing that advanced DNA testing has finally identified a deceased serial offender as the perpetrator, providing closure for victims’ families but also underscoring the challenges of posthumous justice. Additional segments update listeners on recent criminal convictions and sentencing in cases involving law enforcement misconduct, the murder of a priest, and a tragic child homicide—each underscored by the legal and societal impacts arising from these violent acts.