Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera’s family opposes the decision to take her own life
The Travis County Medical Examiner has ruled that Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera died by suicide after falling from an Austin high-rise in November, a ruling that is consistent with police findings but is being strongly challenged by the teenager’s family, whose attorney called the conclusion “flawed.”
Aguilera, 19, died after falling from an apartment building after attending the Texas A&M vs. University of Texas around 1 a.m. on Nov. 29. 29, according to the police.
“The Austin Police Department (APD) is aware that the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office has completed its final autopsy report on the death of Brianna Aguilera and has ruled it a suicide,” authorities wrote in a statement to FOX 7 Austin. “The investigation remains open, and until it is closed, the Austin Police Department will not release any further information.”
Lawyers representing Aguilera’s family previously said she was killed despite the discovery of an alleged suicide note and suicide notes to friends the night she died.
After the medical examiner’s results were released, Tony Buzbee, the attorney for Aguilera’s family, issued a statement criticizing the investigation.
“As Brianna Aguilera tragically lost her life, there has been an outpouring of love and support for Brianna and her family. There has also been a great deal of criticism regarding the authorities’ handling of the investigation into her death,” Buzbee wrote in a statement, obtained by FOX 7.
“Specifically, the Austin Police Department, without an official investigation, immediately concluded that Brianna’s death was a suicide. This attempt was far from what law enforcement expected.
“For example, the Austin Police Department and those involved in the investigation failed to review Brianna’s phone records with her immediate contacts or those at the scene,” he continued.
“They failed to interview all the witnesses, they failed to make statements under oath, they failed to put together a precise timeline, they failed to get the videos, and most importantly, they failed to follow up and interview the witnesses, even the ones we identified.”
Buzbee described the medical examiner’s decision as “expected,” saying the findings were “made in large part based on the indirect work of the Austin Police Department.”
“To be clear. The Austin Police Department’s ‘investigation’ has gone down miserably,” he wrote. “Brianna deserved better. Her family deserved better.”
The Buzbee Law Firm filed a lawsuit on January 5th related to Aguilera’s death.
Advocates say the legal action will allow the family to put witnesses under oath, subpoena records and compel the cooperation of potential witnesses.
“We will do what the police and other authorities have failed to do,” Buzbee wrote. “We will conduct a full and thorough investigation and get the answers Brianna and her family deserve. The medical examiner’s flawed conclusion changes nothing.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or have a mental health problem and you live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential counseling. If you live outside the five states, you can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
