One of the four suspects in the 1991 Yogurt Shop murders appeared in court Wednesday morning in preparation for his new trial.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in June that Michael Scott, 33, received an unfair capital murder trial in Travis County. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2001.
Four young men were arrested eight years after Amy Ayers, Eliza Thomas and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison were found shot in the head on Dec. 6, 1991, at an I Can't Believe It's Yogurt shop on Anderson Lane in North Austin.
The basis for Scott's new trial was based on the fact that his attorneys were not allowed to cross-examine co-defendant Robert Springsteen IV, who gave police a statement incriminating Scott.
In Wednesday's hearing, Scott's attorney asked that the four capital murder cases -- one for each of the four victims -- be consolidated and tried at the same time. Defense attorneys argue consolidation of the cases would save the taxpayers money.
Lawyers from both sides also discussed routine discovery matters.
The next hearing is Oct. 8 where the possibility exists both Springsteen and Scott will appear in court together. At that time, the judge is expected to rule on a prosecution request for a gag order banning defense attorneys from discussing the case with the media. The defendants are objecting that motion.
Scott and Springsteen remain in the Travis County Jail.
Forrest Welborn, the accused lookout and driver, was 15 at the time of the murders. All charges against him were dropped when two grand juries failed to indict him.
Maurice Pierce, who was released after three years in prison when the DA's office admitted they didn't have enough evidence to bring him to trial.
