AUSTIN, Texas – Nearly two months after the death of one of his staffers, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, broke his silence regarding the circumstances of her death.
In a one-on-one interview Thursday at The Texas Tribune Festival, Gonzales said he did not know the exact circumstances in the Sept. 14 death of Uvalde Regional District Director Regina Santos-Aviles.
“I don’t know exactly what happened,” Gonzales said. “No one’s contacted me, I haven’t contacted anyone.”
The Bexar County Medical Examiner determined Santos-Aviles’ cause of death was self-immolation, which is defined by Merriam-Webster as a deliberate and willing sacrifice of oneself, often by fire.
The Uvalde Police Department is investigating the case alongside the Texas Rangers.
“I’m waiting for a final report,” Gonzales said. “I think that would make a lot of sense.”
The department previously told KSAT Investigates that Santos-Aviles was alone in her backyard when she caught fire. Uvalde police said they do not believe anyone else was involved.
Gonzales has repeatedly refused interviews and questions from KSAT since her death, most recently refusing to answer questions Tuesday.
Watch below: Gonzales dodges KSAT reporter Daniela Ibarra’s questions
Several media outlets, including The Daily Mail, reported that Gonzales and Santos-Aviles were having an affair, which they say began after she joined the office in 2021.
“People throwing rocks at me, saying I’m doing nasty things — I totally get that. But the rumors are completely untruthful,” Gonzales said.
Instead of talking about the rumors, Gonzales asked people to remember Santos-Aviles for her contributions to the community.
“I would hope that everyone remembers her for her passion, for her job, her commitment to the community.”
Gonzales credited her with championing several initiatives, including school safety, a new mental health facility in Uvalde and a new community center in Natalia.
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