Death at UTPA ruled a suicide, source says

A pathologist ruled a young woman’s death at the University of Texas – Pan American a suicide Tuesday afternoon, sources close to the investigation said.

University officials have yet to announce the findings of the autopsy report for Brenda Dominguez, 18, but a source not authorized to speak publicly about the case confirmed the results to a Monitor reporter.

A construction crew found Dominguez at the foot of an external staircase shortly before 8 a.m. Monday, where she likely jumped from a third-story balcony connecting the staircase to the Science Building.

Her grandmother Edith Rios said Dominguez walked out about 9 p.m. Sunday night to take a stroll around the block.

Dominguez, however, did not return.

Rios filed a welfare concern with authorities about 3 p.m. Monday.

Friends of Dominguez and their mothers told a Monitor reporter the 18-year-old junior at Edinburg North High School had a history of being suicidal.

She often carried knives and cut herself, said a mother who did not wish to identify herself.

Dominguez’ parents are traveling from Iowa, where they live, and are expected to arrive sometime tomorrow afternoon, Rios said.