Family Challenges Suicide Ruling in Texas Student's Death, Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The parents of former Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera have initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against two Austin, Texas organizations following their daughter’s death at age 19 on November 29.

Stephanie Rodriguez and Manuel Aguilera are requesting $1 million in damages from the Austin Blacks Rugby Club and the University of Texas Latin Economics and Business Association, asserting they do not believe Brianna’s death was a suicide, despite authorities’ determination on December 4.

“Now more than we were 30 days ago, we are even more convinced today that this was not a suicide as has been suggested by law enforcement,” Tony Buzbee, an attorney representing the family, stated at a press conference on Tuesday, January 6. “This was either an accident or something far more concerning.”

Brianna passed away after attending a tailgate celebration following the Aggies’ football game against the University of Texas earlier that evening. The gathering was hosted by the UT Latin Economics and Business Association and took place at the Austin Blacks Rugby Club facility.

Body Found in Field Identified as Camila Mendoza Olmos

Buzbee, 57, argued that the police’s account of the evening doesn’t align with reality. Police concluded that between 12:43 a.m. and 12:44 a.m., Brianna used a phone to contact her boyfriend and the two engaged in a disagreement. She then went to return the phone to a friend inside the apartment. Just two minutes later, a 9-1-1 call came in from a bystander who discovered Brianna’s body.

“What police have informed us is not logically possible,” Buzbee said, pointing out the last time Brianna spoke with her boyfriend was at 9:44 p.m. that night.

Buzbee also presented neighbor Dana Rodriguez, who resides across the hall from where the party was held, at the press conference. She revealed that police had not questioned her or obtained a statement from her.

“The only communication I have received from the Austin Police Department is a generic email sent to all residents of the 21 Rio apartment complex,” she said. “I hope they consider this statement and understand I am prepared to cooperate in this investigation.”

15-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot by Teen Allegedly Waving Gun on New Year's Day

Dana added that she attempted to go to sleep as the party continued next door, but the noise from an apparent dispute made it difficult. Her father, who was present at the time, told her he believed the noise was originating from the neighbors’ balcony.

Not long afterward, Dana said she heard “the kind of sound someone makes when you unintentionally drop something.”

“I do not believe the police were ever inside [the] apartment during this investigation,” she said, referring to the apartment where the party was held. “My parents would have told me. I would have known, that’s how much I can hear the footsteps and everything from my apartment. The walls are just so thin.”

Investigators maintained in December that all available evidence indicated a suicide.

Luke Bryan Reveals His Sister's Cause of Death in Rare Interview About Family

“Between all of the witness testimonies, all of the video evidence, all of the digital evidence gathered, at no point did any evidence suggest this was anything other than what it appeared to be,” lead homicide detective Robert Marshall said at a press conference. “Rather, our investigation showed that, regrettably, Brianna had previously expressed suicidal thoughts to friends back in October of this year. This continued throughout the evening of her death with some self-harming behaviors earlier that evening and a text message to another friend expressing thoughts of suicide.”

Brianna’s family has consistently disputed the idea that their daughter was suicidal.

“And that’s when it made me very upset because I thought, my daughter wasn’t suicidal,” Stephanie told People in December. “I would know. She wasn’t suicidal. Why would she be? She was enjoying her life. She loved attending school. She wanted to become a lawyer. It was just something that I thought, you shouldn’t say that.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.