Executive Summary
- APD officials confirmed the case remains a death investigation, not a homicide.
- Police debunked a viral report falsely naming a non-existent suspect.
- Preliminary findings suggest suicide, pending a Medical Examiner’s ruling.
- The Aguilera family has retained attorney Tony Buzbee to challenge police findings.
The Austin Police Department (APD) has formally addressed and debunked viral rumors suggesting that the investigation into the death of Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera has been reclassified as a homicide. Contrary to circulating reports, officials confirmed that the inquiry remains an active death investigation with no evidence currently pointing to foul play.
According to a statement provided to local media outlet MySA, APD officials refuted allegations originating from a fraudulent website that claimed authorities had identified a male suspect named “Jake Harlan.” The false report alleged that the investigation had shifted to a homicide case and linked the fictitious suspect to the University of Texas at Austin lacrosse team. A review of the university’s roster confirmed that no individual by that name is a member of the team.
“This remains an active death investigation and is not being investigated as a homicide,” an APD spokesperson stated in an email to MySA. Police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no further information is being released at this time. Officials have previously indicated that evidence found on Aguilera’s phone and at the scene initially pointed toward suicide, though a final determination on the cause and manner of death is pending from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Aguilera, a 19-year-old student, was discovered deceased on November 29 outside the 21 Rio Apartments in Austin’s West Campus neighborhood following a football tailgate. Her family has publicly rejected the preliminary police theory of suicide. According to MySA, Aguilera’s parents have retained attorney Tony Buzbee to represent the family, with Buzbee calling for the Texas Rangers to assume control of the investigation due to the family’s dissatisfaction with APD’s handling of the case.
Investigative Outlook
The circulation of fabricated details in high-profile death investigations highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public trust while awaiting forensic results. In this instance, the dissemination of false suspect information necessitated a direct correction from the Austin Police Department to prevent the harassment of unaffiliated individuals and to manage community expectations. The case status hinges on the forthcoming toxicology and autopsy reports from the Medical Examiner, which will provide the scientific basis for the final legal classification of the death. It is important to note that no criminal charges have been filed, and no suspects have been named by authorities in relation to this case.
