Who Is Connie Herbst & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background
Austin James Herbst became the central figure in the investigation into the disappearance and death of his father, Gary Herbst. At the time of the killing in July 2013, Austin was 19 years old and living at the family home in Elko New Market, Minnesota. For years, he maintained the account that his father had left voluntarily, a version of events that delayed suspicion and allowed the case to remain unresolved.
As investigators later uncovered, Austin’s relationship with his father was strained. Court documents described claims that Gary Herbst had been physically and emotionally abusive toward family members. These claims formed part of the context presented during the investigation, though they did not alter the criminal findings. When the case was reopened years later, Austin became a key focus as evidence began to contradict the original story.
- “What the Neighbors Saw”: 48 Hours Reports on Gary Herbst Homicide March 21 2026
- Who Was Gary Herbst & What Happened to Him? 2026 Update & Background
- Who Is Austin Hearst & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background
His Role in the Killing of Gary Herbst
Authorities determined that Gary Herbst was killed inside the family home on July 6, 2013. Evidence pointed to the basement as the primary scene, where blood was later found embedded in the structure of the house. Investigators concluded that Austin Herbst played a direct role in the killing.
Following the death, the body remained inside the home for a period of time. Austin and his mother, Connie Herbst, then transported Gary’s remains to a wooded area in Barron County, Wisconsin, where they were left. Witness accounts from neighbors, including reports of a rolled-up carpet being removed from the home, later aligned with the timeline established by investigators.
Breakthrough and Admission
The case remained unsolved until 2020, when advances in genetic genealogy allowed the DNA Doe Project to identify skeletal remains found in Wisconsin as Gary Herbst. This development led to renewed investigative efforts, including interviews, search warrants, and forensic testing at the former family home.
During this phase, Austin acknowledged knowledge of what had happened. Investigators gathered evidence that contradicted earlier statements, including forensic findings and digital communications. The case shifted from a missing persons investigation to a confirmed homicide, with Austin at the center of the events.
Charges, Guilty Plea, and Sentence
Austin Herbst was charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder in connection with his father’s death. He entered a guilty plea, bringing an end to the need for a trial. The plea reflected his involvement in both the killing and the subsequent efforts to conceal the crime.
He was sentenced to 150 months in prison, equivalent to 12 and a half years. The sentence accounted for his role in the homicide and the circumstances presented in court. His mother, Connie Herbst, also pleaded guilty to assisting after the fact and received a lesser sentence.
Where Austin Herbst Is Now
Austin Herbst is currently serving his sentence within the Minnesota state prison system. Based on the length of his sentence and standard corrections procedures, he is expected to remain incarcerated for several years, subject to parole eligibility and institutional guidelines.
His case has drawn renewed attention through media coverage, including the 48 Hours episode “What the Neighbors Saw.” In that broadcast, Austin speaks from prison in an interview with correspondent Peter Van Sant, offering insight into his perspective on the crime and how he wishes to be remembered.
A Case That Continues to Resonate
The story of Austin Herbst is closely tied to the broader case of Gary Herbst’s death, a crime that remained hidden for years before being uncovered through persistence and advances in forensic science. His actions, along with those of his mother, brought a delayed resolution to a long-standing missing persons case.
Today, his name remains linked to one of the more unusual family homicide cases in the region, marked by delayed reporting, concealed evidence, and a discovery that came years after the crime itself.
More “What the Neighbors Saw”
- “What the Neighbors Saw”: 48 Hours Reports on Gary Herbst Homicide March 21 2026
- Who Was Gary Herbst & What Happened to Him? 2026 Update & Background
- Who Is Austin Hearst & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background
- Who Is Connie Herbst & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background
