Prominent Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the family of 19-year-old Texas A&M University sophomore Brianna Aguilera, has publicly disputed the Austin Police Department’s handling of the investigation into her death, describing the circumstances as suspicious and calling for an independent review.
Aguilera, a political science major from Laredo with aspirations to attend law school, was found unresponsive outside the 21 Rio Apartments in West Campus early on November 29, 2025, hours after attending a tailgate ahead of the University of Texas-Texas A&M football rivalry game. She was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 12:56 a.m., with injuries consistent with a fall from the 17th-floor unit where she had been staying with friends.
During a December 4 news conference, APD homicide detective Robert Marshall outlined evidence pointing to suicide, including a deleted digital note dated November 25 addressed to specific individuals, recovered from her phone; text messages sent that evening expressing suicidal thoughts; and prior comments to friends in October indicating similar concerns. Marshall also detailed a timeline: Aguilera arrived at the apartment around 11 p.m. after being asked to leave the tailgate due to intoxication, borrowed a friend’s phone for a brief argument with her out-of-town boyfriend around 12:43 a.m., and was last accounted for shortly thereafter.
Police emphasized cooperation from witnesses and access to surveillance footage, which showed no unusual activity suggesting involvement by others. Chief Lisa Davis expressed sympathy for the family, noting the difficulty of accepting such outcomes amid grief.
However, Buzbee, joined by co-counsel from the Gamez Law Firm, held a news conference on December 5 alongside Aguilera’s parents, Manuel Aguilera and Stephanie Rodriguez, to contest the department’s approach. Buzbee argued the investigation appeared rushed, with conclusions formed early, and highlighted discrepancies, such as unaddressed reports of a potential altercation at the tailgate involving another female who was later in the apartment. He questioned the characterization of the deleted file as a suicide note, suggesting it was a creative writing assignment, and raised concerns about the balcony’s height relative to Aguilera’s stature, implying an accidental fall over the railing would be unlikely without additional factors.
Buzbee further claimed certain witnesses, including one who posted online about hearing disturbances from upper floors, were not thoroughly interviewed. He plans to request intervention from the Texas Rangers if APD does not reassign the case. “The Austin Police Department’s handling of this matter creates more questions than it provides answers,” Buzbee stated.
Rodriguez, Aguilera’s mother, has maintained her daughter showed no signs of distress and was excited about her future. Family members describe Brianna as an honor student, former cheerleader, and outgoing individual with strong ties to her community in Laredo.
APD responded to the criticisms, standing by the information presented and clarifying that no official cause or manner of death has been determined pending the Travis County Medical Examiner’s full report, including toxicology. The department reiterated the probe remains active and open, with no evidence of criminal activity.
The case has garnered significant attention in college communities, particularly around campus safety during large events like rivalry games. West Campus, a dense student housing area near UT Austin, sees heightened activity during such weekends, though incidents of this nature are uncommon.
Aguilera attended Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, part of a program known for preparing students for public careers. Classmates and faculty have shared tributes highlighting her dedication and positive spirit. A GoFundMe organized by relatives to cover expenses and establish a scholarship has received widespread support.
Mental health resources have been emphasized in discussions surrounding the incident. Universities like Texas A&M offer counseling services, and national hotlines provide support for those in crisis.
Buzbee, a Texas A&M alumnus known for high-profile cases, stressed the family’s pursuit of clarity rather than premature assumptions. Parents have expressed frustration with communication from authorities, though police note efforts to keep them informed.
As the medical examiner’s findings are awaited, the investigation continues. Community members in both Austin and College Station have held vigils, focusing on remembrance while respecting the ongoing process.
This situation illustrates the challenges families face when confronting unexpected losses, amplified by public scrutiny and differing interpretations of evidence.
Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact APD directly.
The Aguilera family, supported by legal counsel, seeks resolution through thorough examination, underscoring the need for transparency in sensitive cases.
