The Austin Police Department has stated it is not investigating the death of 19-year-old Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera as a homicide, despite persistent questions from her grieving mother. The department issued an updated statement on Tuesday, confirming the case remains active but that current evidence does not point to foul play.
Mother Challenges Official Narrative
Brianna Aguilera, a Laredo native and aspiring lawyer, was found dead outside an Austin apartment building in the early hours of Saturday. She had attended a tailgate party the previous night before the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry game, roughly 100 miles from her university campus.
Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, has publicly contested the preliminary information provided by authorities. Rodriguez claims officers told her Aguilera jumped to her death from the 17th floor of an off-campus building – an account she vehemently disputes. "There are a lot of inconsistencies with the story," Rodriguez told KSAT.com, adding that her daughter was hopeful about her future and was not suicidal.
Allegations of a Fight and Unanswered Questions
Rodriguez believes key evidence is being overlooked. She alleges a fight occurred between her daughter and another girl in the apartment where Aguilera died, a fact she says is supported by text messages she provided to detectives. "The detective just disregarded them," she stated.
In an emotional Facebook post, Rodriguez wrote, "Someone killed my brie [sic] and gave all the group of friends a lot of time to come up with the same story." She insists her daughter would not have jumped, calling the suggestion of suicide "insane." Rodriguez is convinced that at least one of the 15 people present in the apartment holds crucial information.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
In their Tuesday statement, Austin police sought to reassure the public and the family of their thorough approach. "Multiple detectives continue to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and work carefully through the details of the incident," the release read. It emphasised that the case is being treated as a death investigation with no current evidence of suspicious or criminal circumstances.
The police also addressed the family's grief directly: "Austin Police extends our heartfelt condolences to Brianna Aguilera's family, friends, and all who are grieving her loss. We recognize the deep pain that accompanies the unexpected passing of a loved one." The final cause of death will be determined by the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office.
Rodriguez has criticised the department's communication, telling KGNS that no one from the police contacted her initially. She said she had to make several calls herself before an officer informed her that her daughter had been found in the morgue.
The investigation continues as the community awaits further details from the authorities.
