The family of a 19-year-old Texas A&M University student who fell to her death from a 17th-floor balcony in late November has presented new witness testimony that directly challenges the police conclusion that she took her own life.
Neighbour's account contradicts official narrative
At a press conference in Houston on Tuesday, attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the family of Brianna Aguilera, introduced a neighbour who described hearing a disturbing altercation in the moments before the fatal plunge. Dannah Rodriguez, who resides at the 21 Rio collegiate apartment complex in Austin where Aguilera was staying, stated she heard yelling and what sounded like a heated argument involving multiple people.
"I began hearing a girl arguing with other people," Rodriguez recalled. "It sounded like it was multiple people in the apartment pacing back and forth." She noted the walls were "paper thin," allowing her to hear clearly from her flat across the hall.
Rodriguez revealed the confrontation escalated to such a degree that her visiting mother considered crossing the hallway to intervene. Shortly after this, Aguilera fell from the balcony in the early hours of 28 November, hours after attending the annual American football rivalry game between Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin.
Police findings and family's rebuttal
The Austin Police Department had concluded its investigation in December, stating that Aguilera died by suicide. Detective Robert Marshall disclosed that investigators had found a deleted digital suicide note dated 25 November on her phone, along with texts sent to friends on the night she died that indicated suicidal thoughts.
"From the moment this call originated up until now, between all the witness statements, all of the video evidence, and all of the digital evidence collected, at no time did any evidence point to this being anything of a criminal nature," Marshall stated at a December press conference.
However, the Aguilera family and their legal team have strongly rejected this finding. They accuse the police department of being "lazy" and "incompetent" and claim investigators failed to interview key witnesses, including Rodriguez. The family's lawyer has demanded police await the full autopsy results before making a final determination.
Ongoing investigations and legal action
In a significant development, attorney Buzbee announced the filing of a lawsuit against a club affiliated with the University of Texas and a local rugby club. The suit alleges Aguilera was over-served alcohol while underage at these venues during the partying that preceded her death.
Buzbee also stated his intention to continue an independent investigation into the circumstances, including issuing subpoenas to those involved, despite the Austin Police Department reportedly advising witnesses not to speak with him.
Further complicating the case, Rodriguez reported that the flat's tenant, a friend of Aguilera's named Natalie, vacated the apartment shortly after the incident. Natalie, known for hosting parties after football games, has not been publicly identified with her full surname.
If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available 24/7 from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US by calling or texting 988.
