The San Antonio Express-News reported last month that first responders discovered the burning body of a female Republican House staff member.

This week saw the GOP rocked after allegations emerged that she was having an affair with a Republican member of Congress. 

Sources suggest affair

According to The Washington Times, multiple unnamed sources have claimed that congressional staffer Regina Santos-Aviles was romantically involved with Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales.

The newspaper pointed out that Santos-Aviles was separated from her husband at the time of her death, while Gonzales is married to Angel Gonzales.

The 35-year-old staff member is alleged to have doused herself with gasoline and then set herself on fire outside of her Uvalde, Texas home.

The Times noted that Rep. Gonzales responded to Santos-Aviles' death with a statement, saying, "We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community."

"She will always be remembered for her passion toward Uvalde and helping the community become a better place," the lawmaker went on to add.

Mother describes harrowing call

He also put up a social media post which read, "'Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.' 2 Thessalonians 3:16."

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) September 14, 2025

For her part, Santos-Aviles' mother, Nora Gonzales, told the Express-News on the phone with her daughter shortly before rushing to the victim's home.

"It was an accident," Mrs. Gonzales told the newspaper before stating that Santos-Aviles had suffered burns and wished to see her 8-year-old son.

Affair claims denied

"The last thing she said is, 'I don’t want to die,'" the grieving mother explained. "And they told her, ‘We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of."

What's more, Mrs. Gonzales also discounted claims that her daughter was having an affair with the congressman when speaking with the New York Post.

"I don’t think it has any merit," she told the publication before adding the allegations of an extramarital relationship as being "completely false."