Austin authorities said Tuesday that an ongoing probe into the weekend falling death of Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera continues to suggest the 19-year-old did not die by homicide, but also cautioned they have not reached any conclusions.
Since Aguilera fell from a 17th-floor balcony Saturday at the 21 Rio Apartments in West Campus, her mother and other family members have disputed the Austin Police Department’s initial determination that the incident was non-suspicious and accused detectives of a botched investigation.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers told the American-Statesman that findings continue to point to an accidental fall or suicide but that the probe is still open and has expanded in scope.
“There is no indication of foul play,” Rogers said, adding that detectives are still piecing together Aguilera’s final hours.
Investigators have built a preliminary timeline that places Aguilera at a tailgate event before the University of Texas–Texas A&M football game. They are reviewing her movements and interactions throughout the day, including her stay with friends who live in the apartment from which she fell.
“We are looking at things that may or may not have occurred throughout the day,” Rogers said.
Meanwhile, the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office still has not determined an official cause of death, according to spokesman Hector Nieto. A full report, including toxicology results, likely won’t be released for several more weeks, he said.
As the investigation continues, Aguilera’s family has strongly rejected the idea that her death was an accident or suicide. Her mother and other relatives say they believe the probe has been handled poorly and that key procedures — such as preserving the scene and thoroughly questioning those present — were neglected.
In a social-media post, Aguilera’s mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, insisted her daughter would never jump from such a height, calling the idea “insane.”
“My daughter loved life and was excited to graduate and pursue her career in Law,” Rodriguez wrote, accusing Austin police of not thoroughly investigating.
Aguilera’s cousin Bell Fernandez also took to social media with questions about the death, claiming that her phone and keys were given by police to non-family members, the apartment from which she fell was not searched and no one present at the time of her death was interrogated at a police station.
“My cousin would never do this. She was terribly afraid of heights,” Fernandez said in a Facebook post. “She was ready to celebrate the holidays, see her mother for Christmas, her two little brothers, was making plans one whole year ahead for her graduation and AGGIE ring.”