The Travis County Coroner’s Office has concluded that Brianna Aguilera, a Texas A&M student, died by suicide after falling from a high-rise building in Austin last November. This determination aligns with earlier findings from police, yet her family is contesting it, claiming the conclusion is flawed, according to their lawyer.
Aguilera, just 19 years old, fell after the Texas A&M vs. University of Texas football game, around 1 a.m. on November 29, as reported by authorities.
The Austin Police Department has acknowledged that the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office has finalized the autopsy report, ruling Aguilera’s death a suicide. However, they indicated that the investigation is still active and more details will be shared once it’s concluded.
Family lawyers have long argued that Aguilera was murdered, despite the discovery of what appeared to be a suicide note and a message sent to a friend encouraging her to end her life on the night of her death.
Following the medical examiner’s findings, attorney Tony Buzbee voiced strong criticism of the investigation in a statement. He noted the immense support for Aguilera’s family but also pointed out significant disapproval regarding how authorities handled the investigation.
Buzbee claimed, “The Austin Police Department made a quick determination that Brianna’s death was suicide without a thorough investigation.” He suggested that this didn’t align with what would typically be expected from law enforcement.
He highlighted various failures, such as not examining her phone records or those of other individuals present at the scene, failing to interview all witnesses, neglecting to compile a proper timeline, and not securing any video evidence. Most importantly, he pointed out they did not follow up with witnesses they had identified.
Buzbee expressed that the medical examiner’s ruling seemed “predictable” and criticized the findings as being largely reliant on the inadequate work done by the Austin Police Department.
He firmly stated, “Brianna deserves better. Her family deserves better,” and went on to emphasize the inadequacy of the Austin Police Department’s investigation.
On January 5, Buzbee’s firm filed a lawsuit linked to Aguilera’s death.
The lawsuit is intended to allow the family to bring witnesses under oath, subpoena records, and ensure the cooperation of potential witnesses.
Buzbee asserted, “We will fulfill what the police and other authorities have not accomplished. We will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that Brianna and her family receive the answers they deserve. The incomplete conclusions of the medical examiner won’t change anything.”
If you’re in New York City and facing suicidal thoughts or a mental health emergency, you can reach out to 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential support. For those outside the five boroughs, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 is available 24/7, or you can visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
