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Police reveal how college student died after attending tailgate party

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Police reveal how college student died after attending tailgate party


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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Austin, TX

Letter to the editor from Texas emeritus professor on Dell donation

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Letter to the editor from Texas emeritus professor on Dell donation


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Money and rankings don’t make a great university. Providing opportunities for disadvantaged students and protecting academic freedom, however, do.

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Case in point: Michael and Susan Dell recently surpassed $1 billion in giving to the University of Texas at Austin, launching a plan to build a new medical center and advanced research campus in north Austin.

To be sure, this is a magnanimous gift that will fund important initiatives. While enormously grateful for this contribution, I am disappointed that this gift was not accompanied with a strong message from Michael Dell admonishing the University for gutting DEI and infringing upon academic freedom.

As a colleague of mine astutely observed: “Good luck recruiting doctors and med students. The attacks on DEI and political climates will mean a lot more than rankings and money long-term.”

UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, referencing the Dell gift, is right: “We are transforming this site into a new campus the world has never seen before.” Yes, never seen, but in a very negative and dangerous way!

Last week, I received a message from the Texas Exes: “This is your last chance to show your support during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres, UT Austin’s Texas-sized fundraising event. Can we count on you?”

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My answer: “No, absolutely not. I won’t give one dime to a university that no longer is committed to diversity and preserving academic freedom.”

Having proudly taught at UT for 41 years, I am sad to say this.

– Richard Cherwitz, Ph.D. is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor Emeritus, Moody College of Communication and Founding Director, Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium (IE) at The University of Texas at Austin.

How to share a letter to the editor

Want to share your voice in the A-J? We’d love for you to contribute to the thoughtful and civil conversation. Please send us a letter to the editor by emailing us at newmedia@lubbockonline.com or through mail: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 710 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401. Please keep submissions to around 250 words or less.

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Austin, TX

APD responds to barricaded subject in E Austin

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APD responds to barricaded subject in E Austin


APD SWAT responded to a barricaded subject in East Austin Saturday afternoon.

According to police, the incident took place near the 3400 block of Kay St., and officers responded to the call at around 1:30 p.m.

Once officers arrived, they made contact with a victim who “advised of circumstances that met the state law requirement of assault with a deadly weapon family violence.” Shortly after, the suspect barricaded themselves inside the residence.

ALSO: National Weather Service warns of storms with gusty winds

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Austin Police officers, SWAT, hostage negotiators, and Austin-Travis County EMS were still on the scene and the suspect was still barricaded as of 6:15 p.m.

People are being encouraged to avoid the area due to increased police presence, or stay in a safe location if they are unable to avoid the area.

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This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Press conference: Northwest Austin shooting victim died at the scene

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Press conference: Northwest Austin shooting victim died at the scene


A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/



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