Family of yogurt shop victim continues advocacy work for other cold cases

AUSTIN (KXAN) — While a suspect has been identified in the cold case of the yogurt shop murders, for families of those killed, the work isn’t stopping.

Angie Ayers, the sister-in-law of one of the victims, Amy, vowed she’d keep fighting.

Ayers never got the chance to meet her husband’s sister. But, when he asked for her help, a fire was ignited within her.

“We’re going to continue that fight for her,” Ayers said. “I did not know where to start or how to begin, but I just started making phone calls.”

The case has seen many turns over the years, but Ayers’ determination helped detectives find the evidence that linked who the Austin Police Department called a serial killer to the yogurt shop murders.

She has a few simple first steps, for families looking to navigate their own cold case:

• Find out who the cold case detective is, and get in front of them.
• Contact the chief of police where the case lies, so they’re aware you’re in contact with the cold case detective.
• Reach out to your District Attorney’s office.

“Make sure that they see you face to face and they feel your energy on your case,” Ayers said.

Her efforts and collaboration with Congressman Michael McCaul inspired the Homicide Victims’ Families Rights Act, which became law in 2022. It gives families more options when cold cases are reviewed. Ayers also worked with the Texas Attorney Generals Office, helping create the Cold Case and Missing Persons unit.

Next, Ayers told KXAN, in partnership with various people, she’s working on a national database to streamline information.

“I used to watch other cold case families have the emotion that we have now, and I so wanted that so bad, and we finally got it,” Ayers said. “And I want that for every other cold case.”