Controversy Unfolds: Texas A&M Student’s Death Ruled as Medical Examiner Faces Family’s ‘Flawed’ Verdict Claims

This article addresses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

In a recent ruling, the Travis County Medical Examiner has concluded that Brianna Aguilera, a student from Texas A&M, died by suicide after a fall from an Austin high-rise in November. This finding is consistent with the police investigation, yet it faces strong opposition from Aguilera’s family. Their attorney has criticized the conclusion as “flawed.”

According to police reports, 19-year-old Aguilera fell from a high-rise apartment following a Texas A&M vs. University of Texas football tailgate in the early hours of November 29.

“The Austin Police Department (APD) acknowledges that the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office has finalized its autopsy report on Brianna Aguilera’s death, ruling it a suicide,” stated the authorities in a release to FOX 7 Austin. “The investigation is ongoing, and the APD will refrain from sharing further details until it concludes.”

Aguilera’s family, represented by legal counsel, has asserted she was murdered, despite the presence of a purported suicide note and text messages indicating suicidal thoughts sent to her friends on the night she died.

Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera was found dead in Austin in November. (GoFundMe)

After the release of the medical examiner’s findings, Tony Buzbee, the attorney for Aguilera’s family, issued a statement criticizing the investigation.

“Since Brianna Aguilera tragically lost her life, there has been an overwhelming amount of love and support for Brianna and her family. There has also been an overwhelming amount of criticism concerning the authorities for their handling of the investigation surrounding her death,” Buzbee wrote in the statement, obtained by FOX 7. 

“Specifically, the Austin Police Department, without a legitimate investigation, quickly concluded that Brianna’s death was a suicide. This effort was far from what’s expected of law enforcement.

Brianna Aguilera died after falling from a high-rise apartment Nov. 29. (Instagram/brie.aguilera)

“As an example, the Austin Police Department and those involved in the investigation failed to review phone records of Brianna and those immediately connected to her or those at the scene,” he continued. 

“They failed to interview all witnesses, failed to take statements under oath, failed to put together an accurate timeline, failed to secure video footage, and, most importantly, failed to follow through and interview witnesses, even the ones that we identified for them.”

Buzbee described the medical examiner’s ruling as “expected,” alleging the finding was “made in large part based on the shoddy work of the Austin Police Department.”

“To be clear. The Austin Police Department’s ‘investigation’ fell woefully short,” he wrote. “Brianna deserved better. Her family deserves better.”

The Buzbee Law Firm filed a lawsuit Jan. 5 related to Aguilera’s death.

Brianna Aguilera was found dead hours after attending a tailgate party. (Facebook/Brie Aguilera)

Attorneys said the legal action will allow the family to put witnesses under oath, subpoena records and compel cooperation of potential witnesses. 

“We will do what the police and other authorities have failed to do,” Buzbee wrote. “We will perform a complete and thorough investigation and get the answers that Brianna and her family deserves. The medical examiner’s flawed conclusion changes nothing.”