Family Challenges Austin Police Suicide Ruling in Texas A&M Student’s Death
AUSTIN, Texas — The death of Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera, who fell from a high-rise apartment in Austin following a football tailgate, has sparked a contentious dispute between her family and local law enforcement. Aguilera, 19, died in the early hours of November 29, 2025, after attending a Texas A&M versus University of Texas game event. The Austin Police Department (APD) concluded their investigation by ruling the death a suicide, but Aguilera’s family, represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, vehemently disputes this finding and is calling for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to assume control of the case.
During a press conference last week, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis acknowledged the unusual step of publicly addressing a suicide investigation, citing the spread of misinformation that has caused additional distress to those involved. Police revealed that they recovered a deleted suicide note from Aguilera’s phone and uncovered texts sent to friends on the night of her death expressing suicidal thoughts. Investigators also said Aguilera had confided in friends about her mental state prior to the incident.
“It is not common for a police department to speak publicly about a death by suicide,” Chief Davis stated. “But inaccurate information has circulated and been reported. And that has led to additional harm of innocent people, bullying included, and their families.”
Despite the APD’s findings, Buzbee criticized the investigation’s thoroughness, highlighting that the autopsy and toxicology reports have yet to be finalized. He also questioned the characterization of an essay found on Aguilera’s phone as a suicide note, emphasizing her background in creative writing.
“Then [Detective Robert Marshall] gets into her phone and he sees an essay that she wrote and he calls it a suicide note,” Buzbee said. “She took creative writing the semester before. The suggestion is that she left ‘a suicide note’ – total malarkey.”
Adding to the family’s concerns, Buzbee referenced a TikTok video posted by a resident of the apartment complex where Aguilera fell. The video reportedly captured the sounds of two women arguing just minutes before the fatal fall, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
The family’s call for a state-level investigation aligns with broader concerns about the handling of sensitive cases by local police departments. The Texas Department of Public Safety often steps in to provide independent oversight in complex or disputed investigations. Meanwhile, the Austin Police Department maintains that their inquiry followed established protocols and that their conclusion is supported by the evidence currently available.
Experts in forensic investigations note that suicide determinations typically involve a comprehensive review of physical evidence, witness statements, and psychological history. The ongoing delay in the autopsy and toxicology reports, which are conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services, has contributed to the family’s frustration and skepticism.
As the case remains open, the family’s lawyer is urging authorities to take a closer look at all possible angles, including the potential for foul play. The public and university community continue to mourn Aguilera’s passing, while awaiting further developments.
For those seeking mental health support, resources are available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which offers confidential assistance 24/7.
The dispute over Brianna Aguilera’s death underscores the challenges faced when tragic events intersect with public scrutiny and demands for transparency. As the investigation unfolds, the family’s push for a state takeover highlights the critical importance of trust and thoroughness in cases involving young lives lost under uncertain circumstances.
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