Report: Sources allege San Antonio U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales had affair with staffer prior to her fiery death

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, speaks during a recent town hall. Credit: Facebook / Tony Gonzales

British publication The Daily Mail reports U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, whose district includes part of San Antonio, had an affair with office staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who set herself on fire outside her Uvalde home last month.

The Daily Mail report cites unnamed sources who allege Gonzales, a married Republican with six children, and Santos-Aviles, a separated mother of one, were engaged in a “romantic relationship” before her Sept. 14 death.

Gonzales’ office didn’t respond to the Current’s request for comment on the story, nor did it respond to questions from The Daily Mail, according to that paper’s report.

However, in comments to the New York Post, a spokesman for the congressman accused “political bottom feeders” of distorting elements of Santos-Aviles’ death.

Santos-Aviles’ mother, Nora Gonzales, also told the New York Post she doesn’t believe the British paper’s report, dismissing its claims as “completely false.”

The Daily Mail article is the latest twist surrounding Santos-Aviles’ tragic death, which grabbed international headlines.

Santos-Aviles, 35, who worked as Gonzales’ regional district director, was airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center on Sept. 13 after her mother found her engulfed in flames in her yard. Days later, authorities determined that she dumped gasoline on herself before catching fire, the Express-News reports.

Uvalde Police Chief Homer E. Delgado last week told the press that preliminary surveillance footage from Santos-Aviles’ home showed that she was alone in her backyard when the fire started.

“At this stage of the investigation, we do not have any information to suggest that anyone else was involved,” Delgado said.

Although Gonzales hasn’t commented on The Daily Mail report, the congressman issued a statement on Santos-Aviles’ death shortly after it was reported.

“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community,” the congressman said. “She will always be remembered for her passion toward Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

Report: Sources allege San Antonio U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales had affair with staffer prior to her fiery death

Tags: