Amy Ayers

Angie & Shawn Ayers

Shawn Ayers — brother, advocate, and powerful voice for justice — lost his sister, 13-year-old Amy, in what has widely become known as the “Yogurt Shop Murders,” a tragedy that forever changed his family. On December 6, 1991, 4 young girls were murdered as they were closing the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt shop in Austin, Texas. The case took the families through a 34-year emotional journey which left them with more questions than answers for decades.

Through unimaginable loss, Shawn has remained committed to honoring Amy’s legacy. In 2005, Shawn married Angie, and she quickly became his biggest ally and champion in seeking justice for the families who lost their beloved daughters and sisters in the 1991 murders.

Driven by truth, compassion, and steadfast determination, Angie turned personal tragedy into purpose by pressing on law enforcement to continue working the case years after the investigation seemed frozen in time. Shawn and Angie never gave up hope that the case would be solved. They took their passion for advancing justice to a higher level by helping establish the current Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit in the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

For Shawn and Angie Ayers, their mission is more than advocacy- it is a promise to never give up for those who can no longer speak for themselves.  They are mindful that every case presents a life, a family, and an unwavering pursuit for truth. They continue this pursuit through their contributions in building the National Cold Case Center. 

Shawn always knew his sister was a fighter. In the end, it was DNA discovered under Amy’s fingernails that helped finally solve the murders. Shawn and Angie continue to honor Amy by fighting for those families who are still awaiting answers.