Allegations, texts, and unanswered questions surround death of Texas congressional aide
The death of Regina Santos-Aviles, a regional director for Tony Gonzales, continues to draw scrutiny as newly disclosed details and conflicting claims emerge from those closest to the case.
Santos-Aviles, 35, died on September 13, 2025 after setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde, Texas. Authorities later ruled the death a suicide.
According to reporting by the New York Post and the San Antonio Express-News, a text message attributed to Santos-Aviles showed her admitting to an “affair” with her boss. In the screenshot obtained by the Post, she wrote, “I had [an] affair with our boss and I’m fine.”
The Daily Mail first reported allegations of a relationship in October of the previous year. At the time, Gonzales publicly denied the claims, stating, “The rumors are completely untruthful,” and describing the accusations as political attacks. Santos-Aviles’ mother also told the Post she did not believe the allegations had merit.
Disputed relationship and legal claims intensify scrutiny
Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles, has since spoken publicly about what he says were thousands of messages exchanged between his wife and the congressman. In interviews with the Post, he said he discovered “sexual” communications on her phone in May 2024. He recalled his wife telling him, “You’re not gonna like what you see,” before he reviewed the messages himself.
His attorney, Bobby Barrera, told the Post that the communications suggested something beyond a professional relationship, though he noted that “nothing graphic” appeared in the exchanges.
Barrera has sought up to $300,000 under the Congressional Accountability Act, alleging sexual harassment and workplace retaliation. Gonzales responded in a post on X, writing in part, “I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,” and called the claims an attempt to profit from a tragedy.
Official findings and continued disagreement
Santos-Aviles’ husband has disputed that her death was an intentional act of suicide, stating she was coherent when emergency responders arrived and expressed that she “didn’t want to die.” He and his attorney have questioned aspects of the official account, though authorities have not indicated any foul play.
According to reporting, Santos-Aviles and Gonzales were both married at the time of the alleged relationship. She had an eight-year-old child, and Gonzales is a father of six.
The Uvalde Police Department ruled the death a suicide, and the Texas Attorney General’s office later declined to release additional footage or records related to the incident. Gonzales’ office has not provided further public comment beyond prior denials.
Law enforcement has not accused the congressman of any wrongdoing.
