Austin Yogurt Shop Suspects Exonerated After 30 Years

Lawyers now focus on securing restitution for the wrongfully accused men

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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After an emotional exoneration hearing, lawyers for the four men wrongfully accused of the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas are now focused on securing some form of restitution for their clients - Robert Springsteen, Michael Scott, Forrest Welborn and Maurice Pierce. The men were either convicted and spent years in prison or had charges dismissed before trial, and their legal histories will likely shape any efforts to obtain compensation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the long-lasting impact of wrongful convictions and the challenges in obtaining justice and restitution, even after exoneration. It raises questions about police and prosecutorial accountability, as well as the adequacy of existing laws to compensate those who have been wrongfully accused and imprisoned.

The details

Springsteen and Scott were convicted in the late 1990s and early 2000s based largely on false confessions, and spent about a decade each in prison before their convictions were overturned. Welborn and Pierce were charged but never tried, with the charges against them dismissed before trial. Last week, a Travis County district judge declared all four men "actually innocent" after police renounced the case against them and identified a deceased serial killer as the sole suspect. However, the unusual path to exoneration means it is unclear whether Springsteen and Scott will qualify for compensation under Texas' Tim Cole Act, which provides $80,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment.

  • In 1991, the four men were accused of the yogurt shop murders in Austin.
  • In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Springsteen and Scott were convicted and spent about a decade each in prison.
  • Last week, a Travis County district judge declared the four men "actually innocent" of the murders.

The players

Robert Springsteen

One of the four men wrongfully accused of the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, who was convicted and spent about a decade in prison before his conviction was overturned.

Michael Scott

One of the four men wrongfully accused of the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, who was convicted and spent about a decade in prison before his conviction was overturned.

Forrest Welborn

One of the four men wrongfully accused of the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, who was charged but never tried, with the charges against him dismissed before trial.

Maurice Pierce

One of the four men wrongfully accused of the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, who was charged but never tried, and died in 2010 during an unrelated confrontation with police.

Robert Eugene Brashers

The deceased serial killer identified by police as the sole suspect in the 1991 yogurt shop murders.

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What they’re saying

“Justice is a very important word, and justice demands follow up. Justice also requires accountability. I think it would be very reasonable and rational to believe there will be follow-up in the quest for accountability.”

— Tony Diaz, Attorney for Robert Springsteen (statesman.com)

“This is the kind of injustice that could result in a civil action.”

— Jeff Edwards, Civil rights attorney (statesman.com)

What’s next

Attorneys for the four men are exploring options for restitution, including potential civil litigation against the city of Austin and Travis County over the police investigation and prosecutorial decisions.

The takeaway

This case underscores the lasting trauma and challenges faced by those wrongfully accused and imprisoned, even after being exonerated. It highlights the need for greater accountability and more robust systems to provide just compensation to the victims of wrongful convictions.