AUSTIN, Texas (Gray News) – Police in Texas have revealed more information about what happened to a Texas A&M sophomore who was found dead Saturday after attending a tailgate party.
In a Thursday morning news conference, police said they found substantial evidence that 19-year-old Brianna Aguilera died by suicide.
The Austin Police Department says Aguilera died just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, at a student apartment complex near the University of Texas campus.(Source: Brianna Aguilera Family)
Her body was found outside an apartment complex early Saturday morning after officials said she fell from a 17th-floor unit.
Police said while they typically do not comment publicly about a suicide, national attention surrounding Aguilera’s death has caused a swell of inaccurate information and speculation.
“It is not common for a police department to speak publicly about a death by suicide. But inaccurate information has circulated and been reported,” said Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. “And that has led to additional harm of innocent people, bullying included, and their families. There have also been statements suggesting the police have failed to do our jobs. Those statements are not accurate.”
Police said Aguilera attended a tailgate party earlier in the evening and was asked to leave around 10 p.m. because of her level of intoxication.
The camera system at the apartment complex she returned to helped establish a timeline of what happened next.
Surveillance video showed Aguilera arriving at the apartment complex at 11 p.m. and going to a unit on the 17th floor.
Around 12:30 a.m., a large group of people left the apartment, leaving Aguilera and three other young women inside.
Phone records show Aguilera had a one-minute phone call with an out-of-town boyfriend from 12:43 to 12:44 a.m. Witnesses said she argued on the phone, which was later confirmed by the boyfriend.
Just two minutes later, at 12:46 a.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting Aguilera’s body was found outside.
Aguilera was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:56 a.m. Police said she had trauma “consistent with having fallen from a higher floor.”
Further investigation of Aguilera’s phone found she had written and deleted a suicide note dated Nov. 25, which was dedicated to specific people in her life.
Friends told police Aguilera had made suicidal comments beginning in October. A text message to a friend earlier in the evening of her death also indicated thoughts of suicide, police said.
Police said at no point during the investigation did any evidence point to criminal activity.
Investigators said after speaking with friends and family, it was “very apparent” how loved Aguilera was, and that “every friend and witness has been nothing but forthcoming and open.”
Despite the police ruling, Aguilera’s family has hired legal representation to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, according to KGNS.
Aguilera was originally from the Laredo area and was a graduate of United High School, where she was a cheerleader and honors student, KBTX reports.
A GoFundMe was set up by family members to help cover funeral expenses.
If you or someone you know needs help, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.
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