ABC 20/20 “Yogurt Shop Murders” February 27 2026
ABC’s 20/20 presents a powerful and long-awaited update on one of the most haunting crimes in Texas history. The all-new episode, “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” airs Friday, February 27 at 9:00 p.m. EST on ABC and will be available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. The two-hour broadcast revisits a case that shocked the nation in 1991 and follows the decades-long fight for truth, justice, and closure.
Through new reporting and emotional interviews, the program examines how advances in forensic science and renewed investigative efforts ultimately led to a breakthrough. For the victims’ families and those once accused, the episode documents a journey marked by grief, controversy, and, finally, long-awaited answers.
A Crime That Devastated a Community
In December 1991, four teenage girls were discovered murdered inside a yogurt shop in Austin, Texas. The store had been deliberately set on fire, destroying much of the physical evidence and making the investigation extremely difficult from the start. The brutality of the crime and the loss of young lives left a lasting impact on the community and drew national attention.
With few leads and mounting pressure, investigators eventually focused on four teenage boys as suspects. Two of the young men confessed during interrogations and were later convicted. One received a death sentence, while the other was sentenced to life in prison. However, serious questions about the reliability of the confessions and the lack of physical evidence soon emerged.
Wrongful Convictions and a Case Gone Cold
Over time, the convictions began to unravel. Courts ultimately overturned the guilty verdicts, citing concerns about false confessions and insufficient evidence. The accused men were released, but the case itself remained unsolved, leaving both the victims’ families and the formerly accused without closure.
For years, the investigation stalled. The loss of key evidence in the fire and the passage of time made progress difficult. Despite the challenges, families and advocates continued to push for the case to be reexamined, hoping that new technology or fresh eyes might uncover what had been missed.
New Technology, New Answers
Decades later, advances in DNA analysis and modern forensic techniques gave investigators a new opportunity to revisit the evidence. A dedicated cold case detective reopened the investigation, applying updated methods that were unavailable in the early 1990s.
These efforts eventually led authorities to identify a serial killer connected to the crime. Just weeks ago, the case reached its long-awaited conclusion in an emotional courtroom proceeding. For the families of the victims, as well as the men who were once wrongly convicted, the outcome brought a sense of justice after more than three decades of uncertainty.
Inside the 20/20 Investigation
20/20’s “The Yogurt Shop Murders” explores every chapter of this complex story, from the original tragedy and controversial interrogations to the scientific breakthroughs that changed the course of the case. The broadcast features interviews with investigators, legal experts, family members, and those whose lives were shaped by the investigation.
The episode also reflects on the broader lessons of the case, including the risks of false confessions and the growing role of forensic science in solving cold cases. With its mix of investigative reporting and emotional storytelling, the program offers a comprehensive look at a crime that remained unresolved for 34 years.
“The Yogurt Shop Murders” airs Friday, February 27 on ABC and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
