Texas A&M Student's Mother Calls for Reopening Investigation Following Authorities' Announcement of Daughter's Suicide

The mother of Brianna Marie Aguilera, a Texas A&M student found dead in Austin, is calling for renewed scrutiny of her daughter's death, expressing doubts about the Austin Police Department's conclusion that it was suicide.

Stephanie Rodriguez, Aguilera's mother, insists her daughter was not suicidal and that she communicated with her daily. Speaking alongside her Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee on Friday, Dec. 5, Rodriguez criticized law enforcement for what she describes as a premature announcement and lack of thorough investigation.

I cannot accept false statements being made about my daughter, Rodriguez said, referring to the recent APD press conference. Without a full investigation, their conclusions are unacceptable. Do your job, do your job.

Aguilera, a sophomore, was discovered outside the 21 Rio apartment complex in Austin on Saturday, Nov. 29, shortly after a major college football rivalry game. On Dec. 4, the Austin Police Department held a detailed press briefing outlining the timeline leading to her death.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis acknowledged the rarity of public statements in suicide cases, citing concerns over misinformation that has caused additional distress to the family and friends. Sgt. Nathan Sexton emphasized that all evidence collected pointed toward suicide, including a deleted digital note on Aguilera's phone written four days earlier.

Detective Robert Marshall, lead homicide investigator, stated that witness accounts, video, and digital evidence did not indicate criminal involvement. Previous conversations and messages showed Brianna had expressed suicidal thoughts to friends in October, and some self-harming actions were observed on the evening of her death, he said.

Rodriguez continues to reject the suicide determination, describing her daughter as vibrant, ambitious, and full of life. She highlighted Aguilera's dreams of becoming a criminal defense lawyer and her close daily connection with her family.

Attorney Tony Buzbee urged state authorities, including Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Rangers, to review the case. He criticized media coverage for repeating the APDs statements without question and called for a deeper investigation into the handling of Aguileras death.

The press conference concluded without taking questions from reporters, leaving the family's demand for renewed investigation at the forefront.

Author: Zoe Harrison