In a significant development following the tragic slaying of Commissioner Eddy Betancourt, Governor Greg Abbott has stepped forward to announce a substantial reward that seeks to bring closure to the case, as reported on the Governor's official website. The Governor's Office is offering up to $30,000 for information leading to the capture of Reynaldo Mata-Rios, the suspect in the murder of Betancourt, who was found deceased on December 27, 2025, and swiftly became the subject of an arrest warrant for murder issued by the McAllen Police Department the following day.
Eddy Betancourt wasn't merely a victim; he served as the vice chairman of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors, his commitment to serving the citizens of Texas further underscored by his appointment to the Texas Facilities Commission by Governor Abbott himself, marking the gravity of the loss felt by the state’s leadership and community but also the depth of the ongoing investigation that seeks to bring the perpetrator to justice, the urgency is indicated by the involvement of the Texas Department of Public Safety, which has placed Mata-Rios on their 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. "Cecilia and I mourn the tragic loss of Commissioner Eddy Betancourt, and we pray for his family and loved ones," Governor Abbott shared in a statement. "The State of Texas remains in regular coordination with local law enforcement to provide all necessary resources to ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions and the full weight of the law for this heinous crime."
Governor Abbott's plea for the public's engagement emphasizes the collective role in the apprehension of suspects and serves as a reminder of the very fabric of community – one thread frayed by crime necessitates the others to hold tighter. The suspect, Reynaldo Mata-Rios, a 60-year-old Hispanic male, described as approximately 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair, was last seen crossing the U.S. - Mexico border in a red truck on December 28, 2025, and should be considered armed and dangerous according to the Governor's office.
To engage the public and secure the much-needed information, tipsters are provided several methods to relay their knowledge without fear of being dragged into the light of scrutiny – calls to the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submissions through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website, or filing a tip online are the avenues offered; and to ensure the safety and anonymity of those stepping forward, Caller's confidentiality is protected by law, which might serve to shake loose the pieces of truth hidden within the community. Texans with the courage to contribute to the capture of Mata-Rios can come forward without compromising their own peace, but Governor Abbott implores, with the sentiment of a leader facing the shadows cast by such violent acts, that each must bear the responsibility of their own safety, refraining from direct action that could lead to further tragedy.
