Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can find resources in your area on the National Crisis Line website or by calling 988.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police in Texas said their investigation into the death of a 19-year-old Texas A&M student in Austin shows no proof of foul play, and evidence points to suicide.
Brianna Aguilera, 19, was found unresponsive outside the 21 Rio apartments, early Saturday morning. Lead Homicide Detective Robert Marshall said, “Aguilera was found on the ground with injuries consistent with a fall from a higher floor.” She was pronounced dead at around 12:56 a.m., according to APD officials.
Police Chief Lisa Davis began the press conference Thursday morning by stating that the department typically does not speak publicly about suicides, but misinformation online prompted the update. “Inaccurate information has circulated and been reported, leading to additional harm of innocent people,” Davis said.
Detective Marshall said surveillance video showed Aguilera arrived at the apartment building just before 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, and went to an apartment on the 17 floor. A large group of friends was seen leaving that unit at around 12:30 a.m., leaving Aguilera and three other friends in the unit.
Investigators confirmed Aguilera had attended a tailgate early that Friday. After a few interviews, APD confirmed with friends of Aguilera that she became “highly intoxicated” and was asked to leave. Friends shared she reportedly lost her cell phone and borrowed a friend’s phone to call her out-of-town boyfriend. Witnesses also reported hearing her arguing on the phone at around 12:43 a.m.
APD said Aguilera’s mother called police at approximately 12:50 p.m. Saturday and again at 2 p.m. after locating her daughter’s missing phone. Officers later found the phone in a wooded area near Walnut Creek by 3:30 p.m., along with other belongings. Detective Marshall said APD notified Aguilera’s parents of her death at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Her parents, Manuel Aguilera and Stephanie Rodriguez, have hired Houston attorney Tony Buzbee. He’s also expected to hold a separate news conference Friday afternoon.
“Brianna’s parents firmly believe there is much more information that needs to be discovered regarding their daughter’s death. They feel certain this was not an accident. This was certainly not a suicide. This family deserves straight answers. We hope we can help them get those answers,” Buzbee said in a Facebook post.
In an updated post following APD’s news conference, Buzbee said “pertinent details” would be released during Friday’s conference. Brianna’s parents are also expected to be present and may make statements.
“Brianna Aguilera had her whole life in front of her. The circumstances surrounding her death are very suspicious,” Buzbee said in the post. “The Austin Police Department’s handling of this matter creates more questions than it provides answers. As far as we are concerned, this is an open investigation and will continue to be open until these parents are satisfied they know what happened to their daughter.”
A review of Aguilera’s phone by APD revealed a deleted digital suicide note dated Nov. 25, and a friend told investigators she had previously discussed suicidal thoughts, according to investigators.
Marshall said all evidence that has been collected, including witness statements, video, and digital data, indicates the death was not criminal.
A GoFundMe for her has already raised nearly $40,000, as of Thursday morning. The post said she was in town tailgating for the University of Texas versus Texas A&M football game that happened Friday, Nov. 28.
“This is an unimaginable and very suspicious tragedy,” Buzbee also said in the post.
The news conference with Aguilera’s family is expected at 1 p.m. Friday in Houston.