Regina “Regi” Santos-Aviles was a well-known public servant in Uvalde, Texas. She served as the regional district director for U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales, managing constituent services and representing the congressman across the community. She was also a former chamber of commerce staffer, the daughter of a retired school counselor, and a mother to an 8-year-old son.

On the evening of September 13, she was found severely burned in the backyard of her home. She died the next morning. Authorities say surveillance footage shows her alone and that she had doused herself in gasoline before being set on fire. But critical questions remain—about what happened, why it happened, and whether the investigation is being conducted without bias.

The Uvalde Police Department, which is leading the investigation, has close ties to Rep. Gonzales. Just days after Santos-Aviles' death, a campaign post appeared from Gonzales' reelection team featuring a photo of Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado alongside an endorsement. That post was later removed after concerns were raised, and the department claimed Delgado’s title was used without his consent. Still, the appearance of conflict—and the timing—have shaken public trust.

Santos-Aviles’ mother has said her daughter was emotionally distressed the day she died. She had recently separated from her husband and was navigating shared custody of their child. These details matter—but they don’t tell the full story. And they don’t substitute for a thorough, transparent investigation.

We are calling for an independent review of Santos-Aviles’ death—conducted by a body without political or local law enforcement ties. That includes full transparency about all forensic evidence, digital communications, and law enforcement conduct in the hours and days following her death.

The people of Uvalde deserve answers. Regina’s family deserves truth. And the public deserves to know that politics will not stand in the way of accountability.

Add your name to demand an independent investigation now.