Austin Police Say Texas A&M Student Brianna Aguilera Died by Suicide; Family Questions Findings

Austin Police Conclude Death Was Suicide After Investigation

Austin Police Department detectives announced at a Dec. 4 press conference that 19-year-old Texas A&M student Brianna Marie Aguilera, whose body was found outside a downtown Austin high-rise in the early hours of Nov. 29, died by suicide.

“In every investigation, we have to rely on the evidence, and all evidence in this case is indicative of suicide,”

— Sgt. Nathan Sexton, Austin Police Department

Police said their multi-day inquiry included witness interviews, video review and examination of digital records. Detectives reported finding a deleted digital note on Aguilera’s phone dated Nov. 25 that they described as a suicide note addressed to particular people in her life. Investigators also cited witness statements, surveillance footage and call logs as corroborating evidence.

What the Investigation Found

• Aguilera was discovered outside the 21-story 21 Rio apartment building several hours after the Texas A&M–University of Texas rivalry game on Nov. 29.
• Detectives say Aguilera attended a tailgate earlier that day at the Austin Rugby Club, where witnesses reported she became intoxicated, dropped and later lost her phone, and was asked to leave.
• Surveillance video showed a large gathering on the building's 17th floor; most people left, leaving Aguilera and three other women in the unit, police said.
• Phone records indicate Aguilera was on a brief call with her boyfriend at approximately 12:43–12:44 a.m.; about two minutes later a 911 call reported a body on the pavement below.

Lead homicide detective Det. Robert Marshall said evidence pointed away from criminal activity. “At no time did any evidence point to this being anything of a criminal nature,” he said, adding that friends had reported prior suicidal comments and that there were indications of self-harming behavior earlier on the night she died.

Family Response

Aguilera’s mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, has publicly questioned the police conclusion and told PEOPLE she did not believe her daughter was suicidal, describing Brianna as someone who loved life and had plans to pursue law school. Rodriguez has suggested the possibility of foul play; police say they found no evidence to support that theory.

Aftermath and Support

A family GoFundMe created after Aguilera’s death has raised nearly $40,000. Police Chief Lisa Davis said the department spoke publicly to address misinformation and protect people affected by rumors. The department emphasized that sharing accurate information was intended to prevent additional harm to innocent people and their families.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, help is available 24/7: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Reporting draws from statements made by Austin Police Department officials and comments from Aguilera’s family as reported to PEOPLE. The police conclusion reflects their investigation and available evidence; family members may continue to dispute those findings.