The Texas Yogurt Shop Exonerations
Summary
48 Hours correspondent Erin Moriarty revisits the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders, focusing on Maurice Pierce, one of four men wrongfully accused. Pierce’s widow Kimberly and daughter Marissa discuss the coerced confessions, Maurice’s 2010 death by police, and the recent exoneration of all four suspects after DNA linked the crimes to Robert Eugene Brashears. The family advocates for criminal justice reform as Austin offers a $35 million settlement.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Thumbtack and Carter's
Introduction to the 1994 Austin yogurt shop murders
Interview with Maurice Pierce's family on the initial investigation
The wrongful convictions and release of Scott and Springsteen
Maurice's continued harassment and death in 2010
Sponsors: Chime and Bombas
Marissa Pierce recounts being on the phone when her father died
The 2025 exoneration and identification of the real killer
Sponsors: Sling, Eight Sleep, and Angie's List
Discussion on police misconduct and lack of evidence
Calls for justice reform and remembering Maurice Pierce
Outro and sponsor: Philosophy skincare
Listen ad-free on Castria