Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales’ staffer was reportedly involved in a romantic relationship with the GOP lawmaker before her tragic death, according to to reports released on Monday.
Multiple reports have alleged that Regina Santos-Aviles and the married congressman had an affair while she served on his staff. Gonzales’ spokesperson reportedly refused to deny the affair when provided the opportunity by the media. Their romantic relationship continued for “some time,” and Santos-Aviles’ husband (who she was reportedly separated from) was aware of the affair.
Updates surrounding the news of Santos-Aviles’ death confirmed what was preliminarily reported by Current Revolt. Santos-Aviles, 35, the Uvalde Regional District Director for Gonzales, reportedly doused herself with gasoline and set herself on fire in September.
The Uvalde Police Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating Santos-Aviles’ death. Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado initially referred to the incident as a “tragic loss,” noting that there was no indication of foul play. Reports indicate that the Uvalde Police Department is blocking the release of the 911 and other evidence related to the event.
Cameras reportedly installed at Santos-Aviles’ Uvalde home allegedly caught her death on camera. The Uvalde PD told the media that it has turned the video over to the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab for review. Investigators have not released a cause of death.
KSAT in San Antonio previously spoke to Santos-Aviles’ family, who insisted her death was an accident. They added that her last words were, “I don’t want to die.”
Gonzales has yet to comment on the updated reports, but at the time of Santos-Aviles’ death, he said his team was “heart-stricken by the news.”
“Regina devoted her profession towards making a difference in the community,” Gonzales wrote in a statement. “She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”
The team confirmed that she was neither terminated nor did she resign before her death, and was a “valued member of our team” until the incident.
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This article originally published at Texas congressman’s staffer died amid alleged affair with lawmaker.