Austin, Texas, December 5, 2025
The Austin Police Department has concluded that 19-year-old Brianna Aguilera, a Texas A&M student, died by suicide based on evidence including a deleted digital note and text messages indicating suicidal thoughts. Her family disputes this ruling and has hired an attorney for an independent investigation into her death. The investigations remain active as they seek to find clarity around the circumstances of her tragic demise.
Austin Police Confirm Brianna Aguilera’s Death as Suicide
Austin, Texas – The Austin Police Department (APD) has concluded its investigation into the death of 19-year-old Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera, determining that she died by suicide. This conclusion follows the discovery of a deleted digital suicide note on Aguilera’s phone, dated November 25, and text messages indicating suicidal thoughts sent to friends on the night of her death. Additionally, Aguilera had previously expressed suicidal comments to friends in October. The investigation found no evidence of criminal activity or foul play. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release an official cause of death report in the coming weeks. Aguilera’s family has publicly disputed the suicide ruling, hiring attorney Tony Buzbee to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. They maintain that the evidence does not support the conclusion of suicide and are seeking further answers. The APD has stated that the investigation remains open and active, with detectives committed to thoroughly examining all aspects of the case. The department has also expressed condolences to Aguilera’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Timeline of Events Leading to Aguilera’s Death
According to APD’s investigation, Aguilera attended a tailgate event on Friday, November 28, between 4 and 5 p.m., where she was observed to be highly intoxicated. Witnesses reported that she was asked to leave the event around 10 p.m. After leaving, Aguilera entered a nearby wooded area, where she dropped and lost her phone. Her belongings were later found in that area. Surveillance footage showed Aguilera entering a 17th-floor apartment at the 21 Rio Apartments around 11 p.m. Shortly after, a large group left the apartment, leaving Aguilera and three other women in the unit. At approximately 12:43 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, Aguilera had a brief argument with her boyfriend over the phone. A few minutes later, a bystander found her unresponsive outside the apartment building. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:56 a.m. The APD has stated that all evidence collected points to suicide, with no indications of foul play. However, the investigation remains open, and the department continues to gather information to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Aguilera’s death.
Family’s Response and Independent Investigation
Aguilera’s family has expressed strong disagreement with the APD’s conclusion of suicide. Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, has publicly criticized the investigation, stating that she does not believe her daughter would have taken her own life. The family has retained attorney Tony Buzbee to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. Buzbee has announced plans to hold a press conference to release details of the independent investigation and has indicated that Aguilera’s parents may speak at the conference. The family’s actions highlight their determination to seek further answers and ensure that all aspects of Aguilera’s death are thoroughly examined. The APD has stated that it remains committed to the investigation and will continue to share new details as they become available, emphasizing the importance of transparency and thoroughness in addressing the family’s concerns.
Background on Brianna Aguilera
Brianna Aguilera was a sophomore at Texas A&M University, majoring in political science. She was known for her academic achievements and her involvement in extracurricular activities, including her role as a cheerleader in high school. Aguilera was described by friends and family as a bright and ambitious young woman with a promising future. Her untimely death has raised questions and concerns among those who knew her, leading to the ongoing investigation and the family’s pursuit of further answers. The community has expressed an outpouring of support for Aguilera’s family during this challenging time, reflecting the impact she had on those around her.
Investigation Details and Evidence
The APD’s investigation into Aguilera’s death involved a comprehensive review of digital evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage. The deleted digital suicide note found on Aguilera’s phone, dated November 25, was addressed to specific individuals in her life. Text messages sent on the night of her death indicated that she was experiencing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, witness statements and video evidence suggested that Aguilera had been highly intoxicated at the tailgate event and had engaged in self-harming actions earlier in the evening. The APD has stated that all evidence collected points to suicide, with no indications of foul play. However, the investigation remains open, and the department continues to gather information to ensure a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding Aguilera’s death. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release an official cause of death report in the coming weeks, which may provide further insights into the case.
Community and Legal Reactions
The APD’s conclusion that Aguilera’s death was a suicide has been met with skepticism by her family and some members of the community. The family’s decision to hire attorney Tony Buzbee for an independent investigation underscores their desire for transparency and accountability. Buzbee has announced plans to hold a press conference to release details of the independent investigation and has indicated that Aguilera’s parents may speak at the conference. The community has expressed an outpouring of support for Aguilera’s family during this challenging time, reflecting the impact she had on those around her. The APD has stated that it remains committed to the investigation and will continue to share new details as they become available, emphasizing the importance of transparency and thoroughness in addressing the family’s concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the cause of Brianna Aguilera’s death?
The Austin Police Department concluded that Brianna Aguilera died by suicide, based on evidence including a deleted digital suicide note found on her phone and text messages indicating suicidal thoughts sent to friends on the night of her death. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release an official cause of death report in the coming weeks.
What evidence led to the conclusion of suicide?
Evidence included a deleted digital suicide note dated November 25 found on Aguilera’s phone, text messages indicating suicidal thoughts sent to friends on the night of her death, and witness statements suggesting she was highly intoxicated at a tailgate event and had engaged in self-harming actions earlier in the evening.
Has the investigation been completed?
The Austin Police Department has stated that the investigation remains open and active, with detectives committed to thoroughly examining all aspects of the case. The department continues to gather information to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Aguilera’s death.
What is the family’s response to the investigation’s conclusion?
Aguilera’s family has publicly disputed the suicide ruling, hiring attorney Tony Buzbee to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. They maintain that the evidence does not support the conclusion of suicide and are seeking further answers.
What is known about Brianna Aguilera?
Brianna Aguilera was a sophomore at Texas A&M University, majoring in political science. She was known for her academic achievements and her involvement in extracurricular activities, including her role as a cheerleader in high school. Aguilera was described by friends and family as a bright and ambitious young woman with a promising future.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Brianna Aguilera, 19-year-old Texas A&M student |
| Cause of Death | Determined by APD as suicide; official report pending from Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office |
| Evidence | Deleted digital suicide note dated November 25, text messages indicating suicidal thoughts, witness statements of intoxication and self-harming actions |
| Family’s Response | Disputes suicide ruling; hired attorney Tony Buzbee for independent investigation |
| Investigation Status | APD’s investigation remains open and active; official cause of death report pending |
Now Happening on X
- @comlabman (November 30, 2025, 10:46 PM): Houston news update covers an abandoned strip mall fire, a Houston fire truck blocking traffic on the highway hit by a tractor trailer, a rooster fighting and gambling operation busted, and a block party turning deadly. View on X
- @houstonairw (December 2, 2025, 10:11 AM): Scanner reports recent Houston calls including a person breaking into a car at 4400 Memorial, a trespasser at 1717 Allen Pkwy, a fire check at 2800 N Terminal, a child locked in a car at 5900 Fannin, and a road rage incident near Reed & Scott. View on X
- @mcdpTX (December 1, 2025, 10:34 AM): Trending Houston-area stories highlight storm damage in northern Harris County and the introduction of Waymo autonomous vehicles to the city. View on X
- @abc13houston (November 29, 2025, 1:20 AM): A man was killed and his sister injured in a shooting while leaving a nightclub in southwest Houston, according to HPD. View on X
- @abc13houston (November 28, 2025, 5:00 PM): HPD is investigating a shooting in southwest Houston where a man was killed and his sister hospitalized after leaving a nightclub. View on X
- @houstonairw (November 30, 2025, 12:09 AM): Recent Houston scanner calls include a robbery at Allen Pkwy at Gillette, a woman knocking down a door at 1617 Fannin, a car meet on N Shepherd, an assault at 2879 Panagard, theft at 6486 W Little York, a female walking in traffic on N Terminal Road, and a business burglary at 5748 S Wayside. View on X
- @citystuff_hou (November 30, 2025, 7:32 AM): A man was killed and a woman hospitalized following a shooting in southwest Houston. View on X
- @privateofficer (November 29, 2025, 1:14 AM): HPD is investigating after one person was confirmed dead following a Houston police officer discharging a weapon on E Crosstimbers. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Suspect in Critical Condition Following Gunfire Exchange with Police
Warner Robins School Defeats Veterans in Dominating Fashion
National High School Football Championship Highlights
Family of Texas A&M Student Hires Attorney Amid Investigation
Tragedy Strikes Texas A&M with Student’s Untimely Death
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
