Murder Sheet Podcast Summary

Episode: The Yogurt Shop Murders and Serial Killer Robert Eugene Brashers: Solving the Murder of Linda Rutledge
Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Áine Cain (Journalist), Kevin Greenlee (Attorney)

Main Theme

This episode covers the breaking news that the 1998 murder of Linda Marie Rutledge in Lexington, Kentucky, has been solved. The case has been linked definitively to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers, who was also recently identified as the perpetrator of the infamous 1991 Austin Yogurt Shop Murders. The hosts walk listeners through the developments, evidence, and investigative breakthroughs that connected these crimes, as well as the broader implications for serial killer investigations and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Overview of the Linda Rutledge Case

• Setting: Lexington, Kentucky, at the Nixon Hearing Aid Center (121 Malibu Dr. #8).
• Incident: On the morning of November 7, 1998, a passing motorist reported a fire at the business. Firefighters discovered Linda Rutledge’s body in the back of the structure.
• Victim: Linda Marie Nixon Rutledge, 43, hearing aid specialist, mother, and daughter of the store owners.
• Timeline: Last seen at Mr. B’s Bar & Restaurant at 9 p.m. on November 6; body found after fire at about 7–7:30 a.m. on November 7.
• Immediate Findings: The cause of death was not the fire; the autopsy confirmed multiple gunshot wounds. Her car, a black 1996 Pontiac Grand Am, was missing but found abandoned later that night.
• [02:52] Áine Cain: “She was found murdered and police believe she was killed the night before she was set to open the business.”

2. Connection to Robert Eugene Brashers

• The case went unsolved for years. In July 2025, Austin Police contacted Lexington after entering ballistic evidence into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and finding a match.
• The .380 shell casing from Rutledge's case matched those from the Yogurt Shop Murders in Austin (December 1991). DNA evidence also matched.
• [05:24] Áine Cain (quoting press release): “DNA evidence from both cases was also a match … The suspect was identified as Robert Eugene Brashers. Brashers has been deceased since January 1999. If he were alive today he would have been arrested and charged with Linda’s murder.”
• Brashers’ timeline:
  • Known for moving across several states, committing violent sexual assaults and murders.
  • Died by suicide in January 1999 while being pursued for other crimes.

3. MO (Modus Operandi) and Case Parallels

• Parallels to Yogurt Shop Murders:
  • Victims bound, raped, shot, and fires set to cover up evidence.
  • Use of .380 firearm kept over multiple years and attacks.
  • Victims attacked at their places of work or home; not abducted elsewhere.
• [11:19] Áine Cain: “Identical to yogurt shop, identical to yogurt shop.”
• Emphasized mobility and randomness of Brashers’ crimes, complicating investigative efforts.

4. Breakthroughs in the Investigation

• Collaboration between multiple agencies—Austin, Lexington, Kentucky State Police, DNA labs, ATF, FBI, fire department.
  • [17:36] Additional Commentator: “This so obviously was the result of really solid teamwork from a number of professionals in number of agencies all over the country.”
• Importance of cold-case detectives continually re-examining evidence and leveraging new technologies like NIBIN and modern DNA analysis.
  • [13:29] Áine Cain: “It’s so important to remember that law enforcement, some of these cold-case detectives, get really, really involved in these cases and they care about them so deeply...”

5. Broader Implications and Reflections

• Law enforcement collaboration now bridges jurisdictions in ways unavailable in pre-internet days.
  • [18:15] Áine Cain: “I think this is paving a new way forward … if it hadn’t been for these different agencies uploading data to NIBIN or uploading DNA, this would never have been solved.”
• The significance of solving cold cases for victims’ families, even many years later.
• Reiterated that serial killer cases require scrutiny of old, unsolved crimes with similar MOs, especially where arson, sexual assault, and certain firearms are involved.

6. Call for Further Information & Responsible Sleuthing

• The hosts urge listeners and law enforcement across the US to review cases with similar hallmarks and not assume every unsolved case is connected, but to keep open minds given Brashers’ known mobility.
  • [25:15] Áine Cain: “We are convinced that when Robert Eugene Brashers was out and about he may have been killing people … we have to be open-minded.”
  • Email tips regarding Brashers and relevant cases to murder sheet (at) gmail.com.
• [33:15] Áine: “Thank you all so much for listening and yeah, thank you for putting up with our breaking news format.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Áine Cain on the emotional impact:
  • [02:52] “This is a horrible, horrible crime … if you’re not in the headspace, this is pretty horrible.”
• On the breakthrough:
  • [05:24] “[DNA and ballistics] matched the profile from Austin … The suspect was identified as Robert Eugene Brashers … they solved it.”
• On investigation strategy and teamwork:
  • [17:36] “This so obviously was the result of really solid teamwork from a number of professionals in number of agencies all over the country.”
• On the evolution of serial killers:
  • [24:03] “Serial killers evolve… they learn what they like, they learn what they don’t like…”
• On respecting the family’s privacy:
  • [21:26] “We’re not going to be bothering them … when they are [ready] hopefully they’ll go to an outlet that they trust to be respectful.”
• On the bittersweet nature of solving cold cases:
  • [33:15] “...it’s the worst of humanity because of what this man did... [but] you’re also seeing the best of humanity of all these people coming together...”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:30–02:51] — Recap and discovery of Linda Rutledge’s murder
• [05:10–06:38] — Ballistic and DNA evidence linking Brashers to Rutledge and Yogurt Shop murders
• [07:53–10:30] — Discussion of investigative breakthrough and how hosts identified the link
• [11:00–14:19] — Technical elements of the investigation; law enforcement teamwork
• [18:15–20:42] — Modern advances in case collaboration and breaking jurisdictional barriers
• [23:04–27:00] — Brashers’ potential other victims; evolution of his methods; call for information
• [29:08–33:15] — Thoughts on next steps, family impact, and importance of cold case solves

Takeaways

• The Linda Rutledge case, unsolved for over 27 years, was finally linked by forensic and ballistic evidence to serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers, already connected to the notorious 1991 Austin Yogurt Shop Murders.
• The breakthrough underscores the importance of relentless cold case investigation, nationwide law enforcement cooperation, and new forensic technologies.
• The episode calls for sensitivity towards victims’ families and encourages responsible sharing of potential leads regarding similar unsolved crimes connected to Brashers.
• Áine and Kevin’s reporting highlights both the lasting devastation caused by serial predators and the hope that advances in justice and cooperation provide for families seeking answers.